17.31 REASONS

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. Did you hear the great news.... The government is increasing the minimum wage to $17.31... wow... how generous. Are the crazy or what? Who can survive making $17.31 an hour. Do the math on a 40 hour week. You barely make to pay rent. Forget food. Gas, insurance and utilities. How is it that Justin can send a 10 million dollar target...oops I mean tank to fight someone else's war in the Ukraine. Yet, our own people right here at home are starving and suffering even more than those at war. At the least those at war know it is war and tough times are a coming. But here in Canada. We live like we are in war. A war, against our own stupidity. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not professing that all and everyone get a free ride. As some have become generational system suckers. People that have no drive to do anything or contribute anything...and sit by the mailbox waiting for the cheque to come in. I don’t mean those. I mean the poor guy that just got married. The guy that wants to start a family but due to economics can’t. I once asked an uncle. Uncle, Vinnie. Why is it you only had one child. He looked at me in the face and said. I did not want to bring someone to this world to suffer. I could only afford one child and I loved him and tried to give them the best I could muster. His words echo in my heart every time I see a young person. When I hear of the government pulling this kind of shit. Announcing $17.31 as some great feat. It makes my blood boil. It makes me ashamed of being Canadian. I remember when I came to this country. I denounced my home and native land. I pledged that if I ever was called to serve that I give my life for my government. Today, no much so as I would not give it for my government. Instead I would give it fighting my governments policy and agenda. Come on let’s call the election and bring back pride and integrity to this nation. God forbid you all vote Justin back in. God forbid.

ON BABY

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By Dale Jodoin In the world's big problem with drugs like crack, meth, and heroin, there's a sad story that doesn't get told much. It's about the smallest victims, babies, who are born into a life of struggle because their moms were caught in the grip of addiction. Back in the '70s, hospitals were filled with the cries of babies who, right from birth, were fighting against the drugs they were exposed to in their mom's womb. These babies couldn’t stop crying because they were feeling the harsh pain of withdrawal. Fast forward to today, and sadly, this is still happening. More babies are being born facing this tough battle, and it doesn't seem to be getting better. People are trying to fix the drug problem by giving addicts clean needles and safe places to use drugs, aiming to reduce harm. But what about these tiny babies? They start life in a really tough spot, craving drugs they never chose to take. How do you help a newborn baby who’s suffering like this? Statistics show how big this problem is. For example, in the United States, the number of babies born withdrawing from drugs, a condition called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), went up a lot between 2000 and 2012. This means thousands of babies start life in pain each year because of drug addiction. These little ones don’t just cry more; they have a hard start in life that can affect them forever. They didn’t choose this, and it's not fair. They are paying the price for a problem they had no part in creating. We often talk about helping drug addicts but forget about these babies. They and their moms need our help too. It's not just about today's drug problem. If we don’t do something, the next generation will suffer too. These babies grow up, and their rough start can lead to more problems later in life. This sad situation should make us think and want to do something. If you see a pregnant woman struggling with addiction, it's a chance to help not just her but also her baby. We need to push for more support for these women and their children. They need care, love, and help to break free from the cycle of addiction. In the end, while there are no easy answers, we must try harder to help these innocent babies. They deserve a chance at a better life, free from the pain and problems of drugs. Let’s not forget about them. They need us to speak up and help make a change.

An Assignment: The New Norm for Job Applicants. Why?

By Nick Kossovan Many job seekers spend their time and energy focusing on job searching factors beyond their control, namely how an employer designed their hiring process. Regular readers of this column know I stress the truism that employers own their hiring process, not the job seeker. Hence, rather than criticizing an employer's hiring process, job seekers should work with it. Criticism or wishful thinking won't get you hired. The latest complaint: Employers are increasingly asking candidates to complete an assignment. This ask isn't new. Early in my career, I applied for a technical writer position to write instruction manuals for the employer's line of software. After the initial interview, I was asked to write instructions, following the company's internal style guide, consisting of a maximum of eight steps on anything. (e.g., a recipe, changing a tire, repotting a plant) The employer's ask made sense. They wanted to evaluate my methodical thought process and ability to write comprehensive instructions. I gladly did the assignment. (No, I didn't get the job.) There's obvious merit in asking candidates vying for a position that involves writing, delivering presentations, or analyzing data to complete an assignment. However, candidates are increasingly being asked to complete an assignment for a broader range of jobs; why? Answer: In recent years, there's been an uptick in the number of fraudulent candidates populating the job market. A recent Forbes article headline: 70% Of Workers Lie On Resumes, New Study Shows. Consider what 70% means from the hiring manager's perspective. Essentially, 70% indicates the likelihood that the candidate the hiring manager is interviewing is likely to be lying or exaggerating about some aspect of their background. Hence, understandably, employers are taking longer to hire due to their increased diligence in weeding out fraudulent candidates. There are many reasons a person lies on their resume. The most common, in my opinion: 1. Desperate need of a job. 2. Believe they'll get away with their lies. 3. Too lazy to do the work to obtain the required education, skills and experience, and 4. Feel entitled to "success shortcuts.” There's no justifiable reason to lie on your resume, LinkedIn profile, or at any time throughout an employer's hiring process. However, as the Forbes article points out, many people's moral compass tells them it's okay to lie to employers; thus, lying on resumes, and it can be assumed LinkedIn profiles, is common. Sadly, this practice of lying is detrimental to job seekers who present honest and transparent resumes. They're competing against fraudulent candidates who, unjust as the reality is, have a greater chance of being selected for an interview because their lies and exaggerations make them more appealing. Employers are catching on that the [insert position] they hired several months ago, who regurgitated current buzzwords, exhibited just the right amount of boastfulness, just south of being arrogant, and bragged of past successes, implying they'd do the same for the employer, was all talk. As a result of such bad hires, employers are increasingly asking candidates to complete an assignment. Employers understand an assignment isn't foolproof due diligence. The candidate can still use AI, seek help from friends, submit someone else's work, etc. Even so, requiring candidates to complete an assignment as a due diligence step is better than nothing. After empathizing with the reason(s) why an employer makes completing an assignment part of their hiring process, the question becomes: Should you spend unpaid time doing the assignment? The argument that candidates are exploited by not being paid for their time is mute since the assignment is voluntary. Additionally, I've yet to be presented with solid evidence that employers are using work created by candidates. Obviously, there's no definitive yes or no answer other than you should only do an assignment if you see it as an opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. To be competitive with other candidates doing the same assignment, you must give 100%. One time, I had a candidate offer to do an assignment. She strategically created an opportunity to demonstrate her skills by offering to analyze and write a recommendation report based on six months' data. Impressed by her proactiveness, I took her up on her offer and ended up hiring her. (This is how you compete in today's job market.) An assignment allows the employer to assess a candidate in four ways: 1. Are they the real deal? 2. Are they genuinely interested in the position? 3. How will they tailor projects to support their brand? 4. Work ethic: Are they fully committed to tasks, or just do the minimum? When you accept an assignment, make sure you: 1. Understand the purpose of the assignment and what skills are being evaluated. 2. Know the deadline, format, length, and mediums you can use. (Don't assume!) 3. You own your work. Don't view being asked to do an assignment as a dichotomy between your feelings about the employer's request and you wanting the job. The yin-yang is simple: Either you want the job or don't. Either you respect the employer's right to design their hiring processes as they see fit, or you don't. Because job seekers don't control the hiring process, no grey area exists. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

BY A NOSE

By A Nose from Wayne & Tamara My behavior and emotions make no sense to me. I have a wonderful boyfriend. At first I admit I was not fully attracted to him. At the time I was hung up on dating gorgeous men that in the end brought me nothing but a pretty face. But the more time I spent with my boyfriend, the more I realized how compatible we are. My friends and family love him. We are a great couple and share similar views on life. We laugh together and play together. He is ambitious, mature, and so sweet you can see the goodness in his heart by his eyes. In bed we have amazing chemistry. He is sensual and gentle, which is what I love and have at last found. One thing perplexes me: I cannot accept his large and long nose. I know it sounds crazy. This one imperfection of his keeps me from fully saying yes and concluding he is the perfect guy for me to marry. I've told him this, and he mostly laughs it off. He even makes fun of his own nose. I used to have a long nose myself, but not anymore. Could this be the insecurities I felt as an unattractive child? When I am with him, I am fully in love and forget about his nose. When he is gone, all these nagging doubts begin. Joyce Joyce, there are two versions of the Cyrano de Bergerac story: the original play by Edmond Rostand, and the movie version starring Steve Martin. In both stories, Cyrano fears rejection by the woman he loves because of his large nose. Rostand's play ends unhappily, but Martin's movie shows love triumphant. Unlike the Cyrano story, your boyfriend's nose is not a problem for him. It is a problem for you. You are doing to him what was done to you as a child. Others made you feel unattractive, and that is how you feel about him. Is being with him like wearing an ugly sweater? Do you obsess about what your children wouldlook like? We are not judging you based on this aspect of your personality, but you haven't met someone you love so much that the outside package doesn't matter. Love causes us to see the world through different eyes. Until that happens, your relationships may resemble the Rostand story, not Steve Martin's. Tamara Eight Million Stories I recently married. Prior to getting serious, I told my husband about my not so spotless past, giving him the opportunity to bow out. He said my past didn't matter. He didn't, however, return the favor. After we married, the official who denied his driver's license reinstatement told me he has not one, but seven alcohol related arrests. My husband vehemently denies he has a substance abuse problem, but he took 120 pain pills in a week's time. See a pattern? He accuses me of infidelity, which is impossible because he hardly ever lets me out of his sight. He's gone so far as to accuse me of poisoning our dog against him. To top off everything else, despite my parents helping us pay the bills, he recently bought a weekend at a time-share resort. I feel I've been fighting single-handedly for our marriage. Will this man ever live in reality? Mia Mia, the crime show "Naked City" ended each episode with the same tag line: "There are eight million stories in the Naked City. This has been one of them." Most of the shows ended on a melancholy note with people wishing things hadn't happened as they did. Your husband committed a crime against you: fraud. He was impersonating someone you could love. At the end of each "Naked City" episode, people dealt with the aftermath of what was done to them and moved on with their lives. Like everyone else in the Naked City, you should, too. Wayne SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

MENOPAUSE

from Menopause? By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford There’s a universal fact for women. If they live long enough, their capacity to bring forth children will end, and they will become menopausal. Menopause can be when the thermostat becomes their most prized possession. But not all women have hot flashes. Some go through this period wondering why they have no symptoms. The best advice for them is, “Enjoy the smooth sailing!” Other women endure needless suffering. There are treatments, and these women should see their doctors. The medical journal, The Lancet, has urged women to become educated about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Menopause should not be considered a disease. It is a natural process. Be cautious with commercial interests of pharmaceutical companies’ propaganda. Seek information from a medical specialist. The authors of the Lancet report stress they are not opposed to HRT as it can be effective in treating hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and genital urinary symptoms. Many years ago, HRT was often used by women to control menopausal symptoms. The standard treatment involved the hormones estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. But a large and widely publicised study called the Women’s Health Initiative identified problems with HRT. Doctors and patients concluded HRT was dangerous and this misconception lingers today. The study had significant shortcomings however, and subsequent studies have more nuanced conclusions. For women under 60, or for those less than a decade out of menopause, the benefits of HRT in fighting debilitating symptoms outweighed the risk. There was one other caution. Those using HRT should not have a family history of stroke, breast cancer, or coronary heart disease. Which women suffer the most from menopause? It’s those who are affected by severe symptoms. Imagine a stalwart high school principal. She has handled the tough job for years. But with the onset of menopause, the slighted provocation has her bursting into tears behind closed doors. For the first time, she feels incapable of the task. If she meets the criteria mentioned above, then she is a textbook case for HRT. Within a week, her problem would be history. Menopause is not just one event or one symptom, such as hot flashes. A gradual decrease in the production of estrogen influences organs such as the vagina and urinary bladder. It’s these organs that women are loath to discuss with their family doctor, to say nothing of their partners. It may come as a shock to younger people to know that seniors have sexual relations. But menopause can make vaginal tissues thinner and more easily irritated. Past columns have tried to explain this with a touch of eloquence, noting that it’s hard for females to sing with a sore throat. Put plainly, it’s hard for menopausal and post-menopausal women to enjoy sex with an inflamed vagina (atrophic vaginitis). Sometimes neither the woman nor her partner knows what’s causing the severe pain. Unfortunately, many women suffer silently. Those who ask for help will find there are good remedies. Something as simple as an estrogen cream can resolve an irritated vagina within two weeks. Other consequences of menopause, like the accelerated loss of bone density, may also be treated with HRT. Sometimes problems are missed because a vaginal examination is not done during a check up. Or patients don’t mention issues to the doctor. The comedian, Joan Rivers, made a joke about news that having a dog makes you ten years younger. “My first thought was to rescue two more,” she said, before adding, “but I don’t want to go through menopause again.” Today, women can and should get their symptoms treated. 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

Political suppression is a dirty game

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

FERRARI MASERATI PISSASHITY

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

Party Politics in Canada

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East We are entering the initial phase of a potential federal election that can technically be called at any time, but will most likely be held in the Fall of 2025. As such, the battle for nominations is already starting, with the political parties establishing their own criteria for selection of candidates, but in line with Elections Canada rules. Such battles are not without controversies, especially in the Conservative Party of Canada, which has a commanding lead in the polls at this time. It is tempting for many nomination candidates to come forward in the hope of being elected to the House of Commons. The results of a recent by-election in the riding of Durham confirmed the fact that the Conservative Party of Canada is doing well under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. Conservative candidate Jamil Jivani, a lawyer and commentator, secured over 57 per cent of the votes in the riding of Durham, previously held by the former leader of the party, Erin O’Toole. Though the riding of Durham is a Conservative stronghold, in this by-election, it registered one of the largest margins of victory the Tories have had in the riding in the past 20 years. Jivani’s success comes as the Tories continue to surge in the polls, ahead of the governing Liberal party, pushing a message that promises to "axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime." In general, by-elections are low-turnout referenda on the government’s popularity and this was, after all, a Conservative seat. Yet the historically-high margin of victory seems to confirm all the recent polls foreshadowing a Poilievre majority in the making. However, there is a danger, that the Conservatives might be passing their best-before moment for sending the Liberals back to a well-deserved term in Official Opposition, if not a return to third-party status. In politics, things can change rapidly and mistakes can be costly. Despite chronic Liberal efforts to render themselves unelectable by rolling out gaffe after gaffe over boondoggles galore while enduring global humiliation amid a carnage of fiscal ineptitude, there is a chance the seemingly inevitable Conservative victory is not yet cast in stone. The liberals having negotiated a pharma care package with the NDP, the Liberals should be able to retain power until the scheduled vote in October 2025 - and that is a long time for the Conservatives to hold a commanding lead. So far, it is easy for Poilievre to merely oppose everything, particularly this liberal government, but the need to propose a future Conservative course in government is where the rocks lie for his breezy sail to victory. Complicating Poilievre’s drift toward a destiny as prime minister is the risk that NDP support collapses and drifts Liberal. This could happen as nervous voters strategically aim to prevent the Conservatives from winning so big that they preside over a one-party Parliament with token opposition. There are obviously other challenges to be faced and one of them is the selection of good candidates. Here challenges are already arising in the form of complicated backroom dealings. If not handled properly, these will put the Conservative Party’s aspirations for power in grave danger. Recent examples are not encouraging in this regard. One example is Arpan Khanna, a lawyer and former staffer of Jason Kenney who served as the Ontario co-chair for Pierre Poilievre's successful leadership bid. He subsequently became the national outreach chair for the Conservative Party. He then ran for the Conservative Nomination for the Riding of Oxford to succeed my former colleague, then-Member of Parliament Dave Mackenize. In February 2023, MacKenzie criticized Khanna for promoting a quote implying that Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre endorsed him for the nomination and the party was supporting Khanna's candidacy. Mackenzie believed it a violation of the party nomination rules based on the Conservative code of conduct. Anyway, on June 19, 2023 Khanna was elected MP in the riding. After the race, Conservative operatives accused the Liberals of racism for emphasizing their candidate’s local ties to the riding, in contrast to Khanna being an outsider. This is not an example of a fair and unbiased procedures for nominating candidates. Another example of this type of questionable behavior occured recently in the riding of Pickering Uxbridge. A young candidate for nomination with good credentials, who worked very hard within the party’s prescribed guidelines for potential candidates, was thrown under the bus by the party establishment, exercising quasi-dictatorial powers. They probably have someone else in mind for the riding, but that does not justify stripping a worthy potential contender of his rights. Should this kind of behavior continue, there is a danger that many people will become estranged from the Conservative Party, reducing their chances of becoming the governing party. It is imperative that the leader, Pierre Poilievre, be aware of this situation and intervene. Pierre Poilievre as the prime minister in waiting will have his performance judged more on clear answers than question period, and his plan for the future of Canada will be carefully scrutinized. 18 months (the likely time to the next election) is a very long time in politics. From the current high in the polls, the Conservative road to victory will start to get rougher and rougher. They need to aware, and beware of pitfalls.

PLEASE LIBERATE US

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. No matter the municipality the same putrid mentality seems to have infected them. Oshawa has to be the worst. You call. You get to no one. Or get the wrong person. Or worst, leave a message. One question that keep poping in my mind. Is the quality of life any better or worst than it was four years ago. It is obvious that it is worst. You have this idiot of Carter running around lieying to people on what great progress. What progress. He is allowing developers to rape our farm land. Wonder how much kick back he is getting. Well, the voters got what they deserved. You vote in a former crack head. You get what you paid for. One would have thought that he would clean up the core. Deal with the homeless. What has this pretty boy wanna be Justin did. Nothing. I hope that all that today voted for him and are suffering remember this... And next time don’t be such a jackass and make the same mistake again. Out of all council only one person was replaced. What a disgrace. Now we are facing a federal election. Pick Justin. Same old same old. Pick Conservatives... new same old same old just different flagship. Canadian politics are finished. It is not the ideology but the putrid culture of money and greed. We need a good leader in Canada....

Oh Canada...do we stand on guard for thee?

By Dale Jodoin The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are at a critical juncture, facing recruitment and retention challenges amidst economic strains and shifting societal perceptions. These challenges are particularly pronounced in the context of how young Canadians of European descent perceive their place within the nation and its military, influenced by educational narratives and societal messages. Economic Strains and the Call for Fair Support The CAF's operational readiness is impacted by economic challenges, including underfunding and the rising cost of living, which have made it difficult for service members to support their families. Addressing these economic challenges is crucial for improving morale and retention within the ranks. The Impact of Societal and Educational Narratives A significant concern has emerged regarding the narratives young Canadians of European descent encounter from kindergarten through high school. Reports suggest that these narratives often focus on historical injustices in a manner that leads to feelings of self-reproach. When combined with similar messages from media and governmental sources, there is a growing sense that these young individuals are being taught to view their heritage in a solely negative light. This perception of being encouraged to "hate themselves" for their background can have profound implications. By the time they reach an age where military service becomes an option, the question arises: why should they commit to defending a country they feel has turned its back on them? Addressing Historical Contexts Without Alienation It is crucial to acknowledge that Canadians of European descent today have not participated in historical injustices and should not bear the weight of collective guilt for actions taken in the past. Educational and societal narratives need to evolve to recognize the contributions and worth of all Canadians, fostering a sense of pride and unity rather than division. A balanced approach to history—one that educates on past mistakes while also celebrating achievements and contributions from all communities—can help build a more inclusive national identity. This approach would encourage young Canadians of European descent to feel valued and respected, reinforcing their place within the fabric of Canadian society and its future. Moving Forward: Inclusivity, Understanding, and National Unity To overcome the challenges facing the CAF and Canadian society, a comprehensive strategy is needed. This strategy should include economic measures to ensure the military is well-funded and its members are fairly compensated. Operationally, the CAF must continue to prioritize transparency, accountability, and reform. On a societal level, there is a pressing need to revisit educational and public narratives to promote a more inclusive understanding of Canada's history and identity. By doing so, Canada can foster a sense of belonging and commitment among all potential recruits, including those who may have felt marginalized by prevailing narratives. The path forward for the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian society involves embracing a narrative of unity and inclusivity. By addressing the concerns of young Canadians of European descent and ensuring that educational narratives foster a positive sense of identity and belonging, Canada can build a stronger, more unified future. This approach will not only aid in overcoming recruitment challenges but also ensure that the CAF remains a diverse and effective force, representative of the nation it serves.

Conflict In Faith

from Wayne & Tamara My husband is Jewish, and I am Catholic. That wasn't a problem when we were dating, because he isn't religious. He married a Catholic before, and their daughter was raised Catholic. A reformed rabbi married us. I sacrificed being married in church by a priest, but we shared our traditions. My husband broke the glass, and we lit our candles. My family wasn't too happy I married outside my faith, but they accept him. When our daughter was born, I didn't want my children growing up with no direction, so I decided to raise her Catholic. My husband wasn't too happy, but he agreed. His family was invited to the christening, but they refused to have any part of it. I bit my tongue and let it go, but I resented them for not being there. Four years later we have a son, and it's his turn to be baptized. This time they come to the party, not the church, and they don't bring a gift. So that's another slap in the face. Two months ago our daughter had her first communion. I asked if they wanted to be part of their granddaughter's day, and they said no. So to me that's another slap in the face. Through the years we celebrated my husband's holidays with his family, and my family went to their bar mitzvahs. My husband agrees with his family that it's okay for them not to be involved, but I know for a fact his family has gone to christenings, communions, and confirmations for their neighbors. Well, after 10 years, I no longer want to be involved in their holidays and family functions. In three years’ time, when it's my son's turn, I know they'll do the same thing. My husband is in the middle, which I know is hard for him, but I can't bite my tongue anymore. I want to know how to stop hating my husband's family. Alyssa Alyssa, what if you kept inviting vegetarians to an all-you-can-eat steak tartare dinner? (That's seasoned raw beef.) Would you really expect them to attend? You knew when you married there was a divide. Your in-laws are of a different faith, and different faiths oppose and contradict one another. If you don't have a problem going to their religious events, then go. But don't expect or invite them to yours. They find them indigestible. When you were married by a rabbi, you suggested things might work out otherwise. All your in-laws are doing by not coming or giving a gift is affirming "this is not what we want." When Wayne was in the navy, the rule in the wardroom was no one was allowed to discuss politics or religion. Perhaps you and your in-laws can put religion in the category of topics which are off-limits. How much healing might be possible between you in just leaving religion out of your relationship? Tamara

The Right Food

the Right Food By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford It was 200 years ago that Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a French lawyer and culinary writer, first wrote “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are.” It’s a simple and enduring message. But people are not being watchful of what they eat, and it is having far-reaching consequences, not just around the middle. Like other organs, the eyes are affected by diet. Many research teams have shown that a poor diet increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) of the eye. Today AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss for those over the age of 65. By 75 one in three North Americans have early signs of AMD. A command given to American soldiers at the Battle of Bunker Hill was, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” But if these soldiers suffered from age-related macular degeneration, they would not have fired a single shot. AMD destroys the macular, a tiny spot at the back of the eye known as the retina that’s responsible for central vision. Without central vison it’s impossible to drive a car or see grandchildren clearly. It robs people of their independence, and often leads to depression. In one study. researchers fed mice a low glycemic diet which is rich in slowly digested carbohydrates (whole natural grains). Another group of mice were given a diet high in rapidly digested carbohydrates (refined processed grains). They discovered the mice on the slowly digested carbohydrates developed fewer retinal changes. More surprising was that switching mice from a high to slowly digested carbohydrates diet appeared to stop retinal damage. Why the difference? A high glycemic diet, speedily absorbed, causes frequent spikes in blood sugar. The unhealthy consequences can lead to Type 2 diabetes. The human gut contains a variety of bacteria, some being helpful and others harmful. How they act depends on whether the glycemic index is low or high. These microorganisms produce chemical substances known as metabolites. Low quality diets produce metabolites that cause harm to the retina and increase the risk of AMD. There are two types of AMD. The dry type affects about 90 percent of sufferers in which small yellow deposits cause dryness of the macula. The wet type, the more serious, occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula, distorting and affecting central vision. What can you do to decrease the risk AMD? See an ophthalmologist at age 65 or sooner, then every two years to detect any visual changes. The key message is to take a good look at the food on your plate, and remember “you are what you eat”. For many decades, we have been eating more refined flour, devoid of vitamins and minerals, many packaged foods and too much sugar. What we need is more whole wheat, fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. Our dietary failure has triggered an epidemic of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and now macular degeneration. Years ago, infection killed people in the prime of life. Now it’s degenerative diseases. But there’s a big difference. Infectious disease killed quickly. Degenerative ones cause a slow painful way to the grave. Learn more about the glycemic index and the hazards of high blood sugar. Diet is key, and if you want more guidance, stop into a natural health store where experts can point you to supplements that help with glycemic control. Never forget the Gifford-Jones Law that states one bad problem leads to another and another. Poor diet leads to obesity, diabetes, heart attack, and now macular degeneration. Will we ever learn? Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

The Frog Boiling Method

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

“Canada, Your Silence is Giving Away Your Rights”

by D. Lynne Associate Columnist Everyone likes Canadians. Why, because Canadians are the politest, the nicest, the most accepting people in the world. For the most part we Canadians are a live land let live society. If we don’t like or agree with something most of us will mumble, grumble, complain with our friends and then go on about our business, doing nothing. In other words. We tend to go silent. Why do we go so silent when we know right from wrong? Is it because we are afraid? Why do we not stand up for what is right? Is it because we don’t have the time, or maybe we’re to busy, or we want others to solve the problems or are we just plain afraid of being centered out, of being accused of being racist, homophobic etc. etc. This is how the bullies, the abusers get their way. They immediately gaslight us, which is a form of Psychological Manipulation which abusers use to attempt to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victim’s mind. An example of gaslighting is domestic violence, where the victim, usually a woman, is afraid to seek help as she has been lead to belief by her abuser, that everything that happens is all her fault. When a few people do join together to step up and peacefully protest what’s happening the bullies and abusers show up in large numbers, many of who may also be paid to hide beneath masks and dark clothing and insight physical harm. An example of this is when parents and others joined together, in the fall of 2023, to peacefully protest what they believe to be the sexual indoctrination of their young children, unions sent out a urgent call for unions and members etc to come out early and in numbers to block and yell, screaming hate etc at the peaceful protesters. This is only one example of what is happening all across Canada. School Boards in Ontario and across Canada are refusing to hear parents concerns and have been stopping meetings, having security and sometime police remove the parents from the meeting and then continuing on with the meeting. School Trustees that stand up for the parents are being censured and banned from meetings etc. And why is this happening? ~ They do it to gain power and control over the people. Is it possible that this is al just one step of the Bigger Plan, part of the Great Reset? Think about it, the following by themselves don’t seem like a big deal but put them all togther ; ~ No fossil fuels ~ No Gas Stoves ~ No gas vehicles ~ Electric Vehicles ~ Methane Gas - Cows ~ Facial Recognition ~ Digital Money / cashless ~ Digital I.D.s ~ Carbon Tax ~ Climate Crisis / CO2 ~ Trees / CO2 ~ Geo Engineering / Chem trails ~ Bike / Scooter Rentals ~ 15 minute cities” aka “Smart Cities” ~ Gender Classification ~ Destroy Women ~ Sexual Education of Children ~ Etc. etc. etc. Hmmm ... when all these goals and are accomplished and you are living in their 15 minute/Smart Cities, will you be restricted to these areas and not allowed to leave without permission, after all you will have everything you need within 15 minutes of where you live, no need for a car no need to go anywhere.. Is it fiction, maybe, maybe not. Are we victims of gaslighting? We all know when we were told to stay home, cut carbon usage, the elite, those in power & politics, the heads of corporations etc. all enjoyed the freedom and the luxury of their jets and lifestyle to live while we were coerced into staying home and doing without. Maybe it’s time to stop being silent of being afraid. Don’t be a gaslight victim. Many of your friends and neighbours feel the same as you. Remember everything starts with that first step Stop the Silence ~ Start the Conversation ~ Stand up for what is Right As the song says “Children are Our Future” make sure they have one

2024 Transit Service Plan- Service Enhancements Moving Forward

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering As 2024 rolled in, DRT riders experienced significant impacts across all Municipalities as a result of changes to a number of local routes. Why was this happening? DRT like all Regional departments set a service plan projecting a 5% increase over 2023, to meet Budget guidelines set by Regional Council. With growing competition of priorities such as the modernization of Durham Regional Police Services along with increasing pressures on Social Services and Housing caused by a lack of funding and affordability, DRT was required to reduce the 5% target to 2% and subsequently to 1.6% What was the route cause of the funding shortfall? All Municipalities along with the Association of Municipalities for Ontario (AMO) felt the impact of the Province of Ontario’s Bill 23 (More Homes Faster Act). Growth was no longer paying for growth and Municipalities were faced with 2 options to either transfer the burden to existing tax payers which would increase the economic hardship, or adjust service levels to minimize the economic impact. What does the 2024 DRT Service Plan look like and how will it adhere to the DRT Executive Committee Recommendation to provide costing to address the January 2024 Changes? The proposed 2024 DRT service plan and Budget of $474.2 million supports continued service enhancements, investments in growth infrastructure and fleet electrification, maintaining core service requirements and assets, actively engaging customers and stakeholders, and building an organizational framework to sustain DRT during a period of unprecedented growth, service modernization, and innovation. The proposed budget also includes several key initiatives including restoring some of the impacts from the January 2024 changes; The proposed service plan and Budget provides for up to 569,876 hours of annual scheduled revenue service and 174,692 hours of On Demand revenue service. As a result of the service model transition, this is the first year that DRT is reporting separate revenue service hours for scheduled and On Demand. The 2024 service plan includes an increase of 59,665 hours above the adjusted 2023 base service hours at an estimated net cost of $5.9 million and will provide for: • select resumption of service suspended in January within Ajax, Whitby, and Clarington that was reallocated in January to address growth demands across the system. This will provide service to areas of furthest distance to a transit stop. • new 7 day a week service in Pickering to to meet the growth needs of Seaton and those requiring transit along Whites Road. • Approximately 7,000 additional hours to support service reliability for select routes most impacted by known construction projects. • Approximately 5,000 additional service hours to improve reliability on select routes most impacted by increasing congestion. While these proposed enhancements is a good start, there remains much more that DRT will need to do to restore a level of public confidence in Durham’s Transit system through a more robust approach to community engagement. For those living in Pickering, I will be hosting a DRT Town Hall, Monday, March 21st at 7pm in the Arena O’Brien Room A & B in the back of the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex-1867 Valley Farm Road.

WE DID IT AGAIN!!!

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 - This past week. We received some great news. The email read: Congratulations on being selected and approved for the CBRB Best Businesses In Canada 2024. This is presented only to businesses that have maintained an exceptional proof of customer satisfaction. Representing the Best Businesses in Canada, the CBRB Canadian Business Review Board Inc. has found that your business meets strong consumer satisfaction standards. Thank you to all our readers. Thank you to all our contributors, associates, advertisers, columnist, partners, fellow associated news agencies and network services. Thank you to our staff. Without your contributions, encouragement and support through the years, we could not be number one today across the region. The Central today could not enjoy the benefits of hard work by being Durham's only in print newspaper. Durham's largest regional newspaper, bringing communities together. Durham's Premier newspaper. It took The Central 29 years to accomplish number one. Together we did it. Through the years The Central has been recognized by all major news agencies. Received numerous awards for the involvement in internet technologies specifically in radio and newsprint. Just this past week the CBRB has recognized The Central as National leader in the industry. Success, comes many lessons. Some pleasant and some very costly. I remember the first few issue we published. Uncertainty should have been the headline. The Central staff was freshly formed. Many of those working back then worked for the former Oshawa Times. Publishing a hard copy back then was a very costly feat. I remember the thousands of dollars that it cost The Central to just lay out the pages. Forget the cost of print. I remember the nights I would go without sleep. Inputting a 24 page publication in to a computer. A blue screen with yellow letters. Then uploading it to a pre-browser space on the net. It would take up to 10 minutes to just hook up to the internet. During those days. The readership online consisted of government, financial institutions, post secondary institutions and the few thousands across the planet exploring the new world of the internet. The long hours training staff. The many people wanting to help. The laughs and cry when things went either well or not so. I remember the many critics, always denouncing progress. Still today. Critics and haters are a dime a doze. I don’t mind the critics. I ming the cowardly haters. Those that hide behind fake social media post and take cheap shots. In part, I have learned to use the haters as a tool that they are. The more the haters, hate. The more I know we are on course. Presenting topics that hit home. Articles that create discussion. Columnist that challenge psychological stability in the readers and arouse intellectual inquiry. The more the haters, hate. The more newspapers we sell. This most recent award is an attestment to our hard work. To the dedication and sacrifices we all have made at the Central over the years. Every step is a mountain. Every mountain is a paramount point that we strive to conquer every day we show up to produce your community award winning newspaper. Thank you to the readers, staff and the community at large for making us #1

The Sad State of the Canadian Military

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Considering the geopolitical situation today and the rising potential of a world conflict, the status of the Canadian Military is not one that the country can be proud. Years of neglect in terms of infrastructure, the supply of military hardware and personnel, make the future look bleak. In short, Canada's military is facing a series of problems that, without a serious infusion of cash and attention from the federal government, could threaten our standing in an unpredictable world. Over the past 50 years and more, it is painfully clear that the military has been off the radar in Ottawa. Pledges made about meeting the NATO requirement of two percent of GDP are never met, no matter who forms government. The truth is we are laggard, and remain beholden to the United States to protect us. As a result, our armed forces are broken, and that is shameful. Interestingly enough, the Canadian government has found money to support the Ukrainian war effort by billions of dollars, further depleting the already scarce resources of the Canadian Forces. Canadian politicians of all stripes made grandiose statements about contributing to Ukraine’s war effort but the fact that is we cannot contribute much more than a few weapons. Such is the state of our armed forces. It is time to get back to basics and understand that the role of our military as a common sense concept is to assure the defence of our land. Therefore, the challenges, which have preoccupied Canadian defence policymakers since Confederation, have been how to maintain territorial sovereignty. Specifically, these challenges are related to the vast territorial sweep of the country and the fact that much of its claimed territory is sparsely populated, especially in the Arctic. For much of the post-World War II period, this concern was framed in terms of a Cold War-based threat coming from the Soviet Union, and more recently, from Russia and China. Considering this new reality, Canada should pursue a strong approach to sovereignty in the Arctic in the future. Appropriate investments should be continued for upgrading both naval and other military capacity in the Arctic region. However, a purely military approach to security will not be enough and an approach of developing an economic structure in the Arctic needs to be pursued. This should be part of a general vision for developing Canada. Unfortunately, none of the current political platforms, advocated by any political party in Canada, shows any sign of a vision for the future of Canada. Think about it. Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of territory, but has a population of barely 40 million people. This population is concentrated around four major cities, one of which is the capital city of Ottawa. The time has come to look for a global vision of Canada. This has been done in the past. The time has come to establish a new capital of this vast country, somewhere in the geographical center. Along with this, it is necessary to have a new vision for the military and a new leadership, one that understands the needs of a military capable of efficiently securing our borders. The situation today is that we have a Minister of National Defence with very limited knowledge or understanding of the needs of the military. His background might be versed in policing, but the military is a different issue. Military leadership requires specific military skills. He also needs to stand up for the military rather than simply be subservient to the Prime Minister’s Office. Recently Defense Minister Bill Blair acknowledged an uncomfortable reality. "My assessment is we've got some work to do," he told reporters The minister was in Edmonton to announce C$45.3 million in infrastructure upgrades at the city's military base — a drop in the bucket of the Department of National Defence's worsening backlog of deferred maintenance. Blair said the military he oversees has to do better at arming itself and recruiting new members. Empty words, without any corresponding action. With continuing budgetary restrains meted out to our Canadian Forces, coupled with continued and reckless support for international projects, the Government is relegating our Canadian Forces to a deplorable state. This is a very bleak outlook for the years to come, without a drastic change. For the moment, only a fraction of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is available to ship out at any given moment. The 2024-25 plan pegs the "approximate total" of deployable soldiers in the coming year at 13,000. In addition, they face a crumbling infrastructure and a disarray in new military equipment and weapons supply. The National Defence department's property "will continue to degrade at an accelerated rate due to systemic and significant underfunding in maintenance and recapitalization." In my view, Canadian politicians are living in a fairyland world full of pixie dust when it comes to dealing with our military. Maybe Vladimir Putin has been a reality check. Let’s hope so, because the state of our armed forces is very sad!

HATERS

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. In my day we use to call them cowards. Today, we call them HATERS. People with little or no character that hide behind fake profiles on line. Pretend to hold high moral grounds and have opinions on just about everything. Many of these coward barely graduated from High School. But the freedom of being anonymous gives them a false sense of worth and expertise. I blame this on our education system. A system that is broken. Graduating idiots. Youth that can’t even do simple math without consulting their phone. Idiots, that are post secondary grinder meat. I say this because everyone wants to be a forensic this and that. Colleges offer courses for everything possibly including breathing. These processed future haters fall to their calling. Only producing frustrated idiots with a piece of paper that tells them they are now officially idiots. These same idiots get on a computer and become experts in everything and nothing. As, their incompetence mounts they graduate to being a hater. A hater is anyone that comments in a negative way, professing to know otherwise. Haters, hate success stories. They hate accomplishments and they hate anyone that opposes their point of view. This is scary as we the old generation dies. These idiots and haters will take over in key positions. Look at all the idiots we have in government already. Trudeau a Liberal token. Wins an election not on merit but on his fathers past history. We are selling out our country. We have haters and idiots running it. I feel for future generation and generations after that. Canada is doomed.

Not-so-distant past

By Dale Jodoin In the not-so-distant past of the 1960s and 1970s, a revolution began to simmer across the lands of the Free World. This was not a revolution fought with swords and shields, but with picket signs and loudspeakers. The warriors? Women, armed with unyielding resolve for equality. Their battlegrounds were not the fields of war but the gyms, saunas, and clubhouses that bore the invisible sign: "Men Only." As television sets flickered with images of these brave souls, many laughed, some scoffed, but history was taking notes. The women's rights movement, like a determined stream carving through rock, began to reshape the societal landscape. They demanded equal time and space where none was given, and slowly, the walls of exclusivity began to crumble. Fast forward to the 1970s and 1980s, the era of disco balls and arcade games, where another front was opened. Girls and women, inspired by their predecessors, ventured into the sacred halls of men's sports in schools. They were heralded as heroes, pioneers fighting not just for a place on the team but for the very principle of equal opportunity. Then came a twist in the tale. The Boy Scouts, a bastion of young male adventure and camaraderie, began to welcome women as troop leaders. And why not? If equality was the quest, why should any domain remain untouched? But the plot thickened as girls, too, joined the ranks, blurring the lines between the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, entities that had coexisted yet apart, like parallel universes. Now, as the wheels of time have spun into the 21st century, the landscape of equality has morphed into a realm where the very fabric of gender is questioned, stretched, and redesigned. Boys and girls, men and women, and everyone in between or outside these definitions, find themselves in a world where the Boy Scouts have shed the "Boy" to become simply "Scouts," while the Girl Scouts watch from the sidelines, their identity intact but their purpose under scrutiny. In this new world, where transgender athletes compete in women's sports, a chorus of protests arises. The irony? The quest for equal opportunity that began decades ago has unfolded into a reality where the lines drawn by gender are not just crossed but erased. Yet, as the victories of yesterday's battles are celebrated, the outcomes of today's wars are lamented. The story, however, does not end here, for this narrative of equality is one of constant evolution. What began as a fight for equal space has spiraled into a complex dialogue about identity, inclusion, and the very essence of fairness. Pandora's box of equal opportunity, once opened, cannot be closed, nor can the voices that have emerged be silenced. As we stand at the crossroads of history and future, the irony of our journey is not lost. The very outcomes fought for with passion and pride have unfolded in ways unforeseen, challenging us to question not just the nature of equality but the nature of our desires. In a world where logic and feelings collide, where government and society grapple with the definitions of right and wrong, we are reminded that the path to equality is fraught with unexpected turns. And so, as the sun sets on the old world and rises on the new, we are left to ponder the lessons of our past. The quest for equal opportunity, like any great tale, is one of irony and insight, where the outcomes we seek may just be the ones we least expect. Welcome to the new world, where the battle for equality continues, not with swords and shields, but with open hearts and minds, in the ever-evolving story of being.

Empathizing With an Employer’s Hiring Concerns Is a Competitive Advantage

By Nick Kossovan American professor, author, and podcast host Brené Brown once said, "Empathy fuels connection." Empathizing with someone, especially with their concerns, is how you build strong relationships. Interacting empathically with employers is a competitive advantage since few job seekers do so. All hiring managers have concerns. The times you weren't hired were likely because of a concern(s) your interviewer had that wasn't addressed during the interview. Employers don't care about your “whys” (concerns); they care about their “whys.” As a job seeker, focusing on an employer's whys will help you establish a connection with the employer and differentiate you from your competition, who, for the most part, are focused on their whys. There’re three hiring facts job seekers would be wise to keep top of mind: 1. Employers don't hire opinions (of yourself). 2. Employers no longer consider a candidate's potential. (Employers aren't in the business of growing careers.) 3. Employers don't hire employees; they hire solutions. Therefore, don't waste precious resume/LinkedIn profile real estate or interview time offering opinions about yourself, trying to sell your potential, and not providing solutions. Instead, boost your competitive advantage by empathizing with employers' three fundamental hiring concerns. 1. Will you fit the company’s culture? Interviews are conducted primarily to determine whether you'll fit the company's culture, not just to assess your skills. Whether it's fair or not, employers generally hire based on the "fit" they believe a candidate will be to their culture. Job seekers need to accept that the hiring manager knows best whether they'll fit (read: is compatible) with the company and employees and that they're not entitled to inclusion. Skills and experience are easy to evaluate and assess. (testing, reference checks) However, being deemed a "fit" is subjective. While you can't control the final "Yes" or "No," you can influence the possibility of receiving a thumbs up by: 1. Before an interview, become familiar with the company's culture and visualize yourself working there. 2. Speak the language. Every profession has its share of expressions and jargon—insider language—that, when used, implies "I'm one of you." 3. Dress as if you already work for the company. All companies have an unofficial dress code, even if they have an official dress code. Know both and dress accordingly. A better option is to conduct your job search by prioritizing finding where you belong, which is the best compass a job seeker can use. Don't look for a job. Look for where you'll be accepted. Think: "I'm not looking for a job; I'm looking for my tribe!" 2. Are you able to hit the ground running? Imagine a leaking pipe in your basement. Who'd you want to fix the leak? An experienced plumber who can fix it quickly or a less experienced plumber who'll have to spend time figuring out how to stop the leak? When we deal with someone highly experienced (e.g., a painter, mechanic, lawyer, medical professional, waitress), we're more likely to experience quality work and service compared to someone who is just starting out. All jobs exist to solve an employer's problem, like generating revenue, maintaining, and growing their client base, meeting government safety standards, and keeping profit margins healthy by purchasing raw materials at the best prices. When an employer posts a job, whether newly created or to backfill, the problem the job addresses currently exists, like the pipe leaking in your basement. Understandably, employers seek candidates who can provide an immediate solution, are self-starters with proven skills and experience, and have the confidence to take initiative without handholding. Therefore, throughout your job search—networking, applications, your resume, and LinkedIn profile and especially during interviews—provide examples of when you were a self-starter and took the initiative. Give examples of times when you figured out what needed to be done and got it done without involving your manager. 3. How will hiring you make them look? When making a hire, the stakes are high. Bad hires are costly. Have you ever considered this: What impression will you make on the hiring manager's boss, leadership team, and current employees if you’re hired? I've made my share of bad hires. Firsthand experience has taught me that making a bad hire doesn't reflect well on me. Hiring managers will inevitably make a few bad hires, but they should be few and far between. Having their boss and the rest of the company doubt their hiring skills (read: judgment) is the last thing a hiring manager wants, something you should deeply empathize with. When preparing for an interview, ask yourself, What makes you the right candidate for the hiring manager to put their reputation on the line? Throughout your interview, speak to your answer. Once, inspired by a line Tom Cruise spoke in the 1990 film Days of Thunder, I said to my interviewer, as we were wrapping up, who'd be my boss and who I felt was unsure about me, "I won't make a fool of you." The following day, the position was mine. Several months later, while having coffee in the company's cafeteria, he said that line was what sold him. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

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from Wayne & Tamara My problem is my father-in-law. When we go over to visit him and my mother-in-law, I dread it. I feel he doesn't respect me. I know we have totally different value systems, and I know he comes from a different generation, but it doesn't help. His typical response is to chuckle and dismiss me when I voice an opinion. He has the attention span of a flea. This is nothing physical; we know that. Conversations about anything always come around to the same thing. He ends up giving a lecture about how to be better in business or how to be more successful. He is a broken record. I am more of a people person and evaluate people on how kind and nice they are. My idea of a successful person is not based on money, importance, or power. My father-in-law looks more to the surface and how much money a person makes. If someone is successful or important, he hangs on their every word. What I do is spend more time with my mother-in-law. My other strategy is, if he asks me a question, to answer with a yes or no since he tends to dismiss me when I talk. Last week I was just fuming after a visit. This is frustrating. I don't have this reaction from anyone else I know except maybe my brother-in-law. Surprise, Surprise! Thank goodness my husband is like his mother. Gretchen Gretchen, there is no point in talking back to the television or expressing your opinion to a dial tone. There is no point in fuming over a television commercial. You're not buying, so don't fume. Besides, commercials are there so you can go to the bathroom or make a sandwich without missing anything. Listening to your father-in-law is like listening to a small child discuss his invisible friend. It's all very real to him, even though it is not real to you. With some people you are never going to break through and have a genuine conversation. You've found two good strategies: spending time with your mother-in-law and limiting answers to yes and no. There is another strategy to consider. Imagine you work next to a woman who says "God bless you" each time you sneeze. If you grew up with this practice and enjoy it, you say "Thank you." This encourages her and she continues. But perhaps you think this practice is a medieval superstition that has no place in the modern world. In that case, if you meet her expression with silence, you will find she soon stops. A variation on this principle is called "shaping behavior by its absence." In other words, you respond favorably to everything which is not the undesirable behavior. If your father-in-law remarks on the beautiful day or how nice it is to see you, respond in kind. If he starts playing his broken record, greet it with silence and make this your unvarying rule. As a people person, you may find this difficult and perhaps offensive. It smacks of dog training. But it is likely to be the best thing you can do to set a positive tone with your father-in-law so that one day you can share genuine, two-way conversation. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

What to Know About the Mammography Debate

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford At what age should women’s breasts receive radiation to detect breast cancer? In Canada, some provinces are lowering the age of eligibility from 50 to 40, even before a task force releases an update on breast cancer screening guidelines. The current guidelines do not recommend routine screening for women in their 40s. In the U.S., a separate task force urges women ages 40 to 49 to get this procedure every two years. Why the conflicting advice? Mammography as been swirling in confusion for decades. In the past, some experts were adamant there was no evidence regular mammograms decreased the risk of breast cancer. Others, equally qualified authorities, were concerned that repeated exposures of breast tissues to radiation could cause breast malignancies. A significant fact tends to go unnoticed. Women are told over and over that routine breast cancer screening diagnoses early breast malignancies. This is a half truth. What the medical profession should say is that breast cancer screening diagnoses a malignancy as early as possible. Why is this distinction vital? Mammography is a “lump diagnosis”, meaning cancer cannot be identified until a cancerous growth reaches a detectable size. Breast cancer may be present for several years before it can be seen by mammography. There is a possibility that it may have already spread to other parts of the body. Compare this to a Pap smear of the cervix. In this test, a swab is used to obtain a small amount of tissue from this area. This specimen is then examined by technicians using a high-powered microscope looking for premalignant cancer cells. Unlike mammography, it’s a microscopic test, not a lump diagnosis. How accurate is the Pap smear? There is always the chance abnormal cells will be missed. But it is unlikely with repeated tests. Besides, precancerous cells of the cervix are very slow growing, allowing time to discover them. It is unfortunate that doctors do not have a test that can detect precancerous cells of the breast. Instead, it’s routine mammography, and a dose of radiation with each one, that is only able to see the problem after a lump becomes large enough to be visible by x-ray. X-rays must be accepted to diagnose breast cancer. This causes concern among certain authorities. Why? With each x-ray, radiation accumulates in the body. Some argue the cumulative effect of x-rays is minimal in comparison to naturally accruing exposure. Others take a more cautious attitude. Pouring through medical research suggests the jury is out on how much radiation increases risk, and when. An x-ray can confirm a broken bone. Dental x-rays determine tooth decay. And head x-rays can find a brain tumour. But not every headache should lead to an x-ray. Yet studies show doctors order them too often. It’s not just x-rays to worry about. CT scans are another source of radiation. To be fair to doctors, it is not always their fault. Part of the problem involves patients who worry every pain must be investigated or who insist on x-rays for every problem. To illustrate, for a pain in the stomach, the first step should be a sound diet and active lifestyle to cure the discomfort, not another x-ray. What about the mammogram debate and conflicting guidelines? More radiation tends to be the conclusion. But this is a case of patients needing to be involved in decisions about their own healthcare. It’s a matter of being informed, weighing the pros and cons with your doctor, and then taking your own decision. But patients and doctors should share an understanding that there is no easy answer. 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