HOW CAN WE EXPECT WORLD PEACE WHEN WE CAN’T ATTAIN HARMONY

As most of you. At the end of the day I like to sit back and unwind. Unfortunately, sitting in front of a television for a few minutes at the end of the day, just makes me wonder what has gone wrong with society. From the many wars to social unrest, not to mention the many political battles unfolding across the globe. It appears humanity is on a downward spin into self destruction. Now don’t get me wrong. There are many efforts by many people in making life great. Over all and far away from our shores. It appears we live in a fragile utopian glass world sheltered from the many global realities. Working in the community as your local ward 1 representative I come across all kinds of issues. All kind of people. People with real needs and issues. As a municipal representative I am always impartial and try to listen carefully and respectfully dispense resolve in the best manner possible, with the resources made available to me by the municipality. It appears even though you may have great intentions. Harmony, is something that is far from achievable, even though the facts are right before you and common sense should prevail. The concept of right and wrong becomes compromised by personal agenda and or tainted political opinion/thought/interests. In my term in office. I realized very quickly that it is not about me but about what is best for the constituents that elected me in. It is about bettering our community. Even though, I tend to favor the rational, logical reasonable approach towards problem solving. I am quickly learning that many of my colleagues dance to the beat of a different drum. As a politician it is easy to fall victim of lobbyist, special interest groups, developers and or political pressure from above. Others fall victim to popular thought, social norms and pressures. They fall in a spiral of attempting to pleasing everyone and serving no one. In part this is why council at times appear to be divided. Other times vindictive and united in persecution. By now everyone has heard about my sanctions for exercising my freedom of speech. Three months worth of pay cut. Is this municipal leadership. I think not... I feel persecuted and attacked by my own council. My own people. My own council. How can this be in these times. Times when we are supposed to be united and harmonized during tough economic times. I guess my economic situation does not matter. I shake my head at all that cry that we strive for ‘world peace’. World ‘PEACE’. Or is it a misprint... ‘PIECE’. This type of mentality is not only a Pickering problem. Look around and just about every municipality is suffering from the same pandemic of me, me, me. Funded by developers and special interest groups. Influenced by agenda and special interests. Hey, we are starting to sound global. Much like the wars across the planet influenced by agenda and special interest. Primarily wealth, oil cartels and not to mention the drug cartels. World Peace is much like the word LOVE. There is a lot of interpretation involved. I signed up for this job to make our community a better place. Not to be punished, ousted and persecuted by those I am to work with. We live in sad times where we must abide to the drum of agenda. To be forced to comply. Socially, politically or other and accept the fact that we are nothing short of “MODERN DAY SLAVES”. Yes, modern day slaves. A people that is forced to work for no money or little money. A people that have no real choice due to economic restrains. A people of all races that are pigeon hole to live through their daily routines without questioning authority or else. Or else, face the law, the policy, the regulation, the norms, the fellow confused agenda driven citizen. Nothing to do with historical ethnic slavery. But modern day, all races included. By definition: a person who is forced to work for and obey another and is considered to be their property; an enslaved person. Nothing to do with race. It is a system much like most corporations today. Most government. For anyone becoming offended by the word ‘slave’. First. educate yourself on the meaning. Second, look around if you are not being used to substantiate someone else's agenda. I am afraid to turn on the TV, as only the God’s know what else all this technology will bring. They talk about artificial intelligence. Another system based on stored data and the ability to recall it faster than any human brain. Could this be the new social control? Could this be the new oppressive regime that will govern all humanity. After all, think about it. Those elected are given the right by the democratic ideology to have access to information that most citizens would not even know where to look. Much like artificial intelligence. We are given predestine information and from that we are told to make choices on the selected information. Boy is this not starting to sound like the same type of oppressive regime as described above. This time prescribed by a machine. A machine that we deem intelligent to rendering to the fact that we the surrendering to the fact that we the common person are simpleton? "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

kEEPING YOU INFORMED By Maurice Brenner Deputy Mayor/Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Many thought it was a joke when Frenchman’s Bay and abutting properties was listed for sale for $60 million dollars by the Pickering Harbour Company (PHC). Many asked, how can this be? And many were very vocal that Pickering needs to purchase it to stop development. In this weeks column I will share with you an in depth look at how we got to this point, and why I think there is little to NO risk that the Bay will end up as a floating development. In the early1800s Frenchman’s Bay was a busy port of Trade referred to as the Liverpool Port. During the reign of Queen Victoria, a Charter was granted to the Pickering Harbour Company giving them ownership of the Bay and lands along Lake Ontario on condition that they ensured the safe passage of vessels between Lake Ontario and into the Bay. It was this Charter that put into Private Ownership Pickering’s Jewel the Frenchman’s Bay. In the 1980s the then Town of Pickering attempted a Court challenge of the ownership which failed. For decades that followed, Pickering continued to work with the PHC as we began our journey to create the Frenchman’s Bay Waterfront Masterplan on the East and West Sides of the spit along with the nautical village. Flash forward to today, the PHC attempted to develop their lands into massive Highrise Towers, something neither the residents nor the City of Pickering and Council were prepared to support. The matter was referred to the Ontario Land Tribunal where it subsequently was later withdrawn by PHC. In preparing its case the City of Pickering noted that (a) a majority of PHC is situated with-in the Pickering Nuclear freeze zone which prevents the lands from being developed for any other use other than its current Marine use something that is not anticipated to change for at least another 30-50 years until the Nuclear plant is no longer operational and all radioactive materials no longer exist as well as environmental concerns and a lack of compatibility with Community character. . Add to that the Charter granted by the Crown is very specific and I believe is of National interest given its history. While Pickering Council had every desire to purchase this asset and place it in Public ownership, our offers were rejected as we were not prepared to offer what the PHC listed it for, which would have bankrupt the taxpayers. Let me be perfectly clear, that while unable to purchase the Bay, I am confident that my Council colleagues are not prepared to allow our Jewel to be destroyed regardless of who may own it. Lets continue to work together to ensure Frenchman’s Bay can be enjoyed for future generations.

PLEASE BE PATIENCE

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 - Before I begin this column. I like to thank all the former Metroland paper delivery people that have flooded our phones with call wanting to continue delivering a paper to your door. As an industry leader. I am sorry that many of these delivery people did not get paid for their hard work. In some cases we made special allowance to pay them what they were owed by Metroland as way to instill industry good name. The Central Newspaper an industry leader will always champion peoples rights and freedoms. Fair treatment and fair compensation for work performed. For all that have called. Thank you. At the Central we have also received numerous calls from readers across the region. Readers wondering why the municipalities including the Region have not made the change to publish notice, listing and events in Durham only hard copy publisher The Central. Many frustrated that the municipalities including the Region have waited so long to publish essential information. Information like garbage pick up and the likes. I can assure you we have contacted all the municipalities and all the parties involved. The general consensus is that it takes a bit of time to make the transition. They assure me that by the new year. You will see your municipalities postings. If not call them directly. At The Central we know the financial hardships of many. Many can’t afford a computer. Others can’t even afford internet. Many are also on limited cell packages. The municipalities can’t expect people to go to their web sites to look for information. Municipalities should know better that most people using the internet have a five click patience expansion... meaning if they can’t get what they want in five clicks or less. They become frustrated. Case in point. Some callers expressed frustration that they attempted to navigate many of the municipal web pages and got no place. This came from young and senior callers. We have also received equal number of former Metroland subscribers wanting to sign up for home delivery. Everyone please be patience as we are in the process of bringing you all the municipalities posting under one newspaper. The Central will soon become the place to go for regional information. It is unfortunate that technology is proving itself to fail humanity. As the internet has become nothing short of a public toilet. A place where you can’t trust what you read and an arena for fraud, scammers and charlatans. This in part is why many are coming back to hard press copy newspapers. Read from a source you can trust. Please be patience. We are working on it. Thank you for your patience.

Canada ethnic tensions

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East In a world with a multitude of problems, where local wars are starting at an alarming rate, Canada, once a beacon of people’s harmony, is starting to fall apart. This is mainly the fault of the political class of Canada; their lack of emphasis on being Canadian, being proud to be Canadian, and building a better life for our families. Canadian history is one of compromise and listening to the needs of people. This seems now to be forgotten. Immersed in a steady stream of denial, there seems to be a competition to invent means of despising and changing our history in a truly woke mode. This constitutes a trend aimed at destroying our nation’s harmony. By isolating ethic communities from each other in a way that emphasizes being Canadian as secondary, in the name of multiculturalism, the message is that there is no need to consider ourselves as a unified nation we should all strive to build. Driven by their venal intentions to secure power, today’s Canadian politicians use ethnic tensions from abroad, developing them here, to further their electoral purposes. If they had Canadians’ best interests at heart, they would dedicate their time and power to develop Canada instead, creating a healthy and united Canadian nation. There is no need to endlessly apologize to various ethnic groups and make useless declarations of acknowledgements without taking action to unite the nation. As we have seen with the recent wars in Europe and the Middle East, ethnic tensions are well on the rise in Canada. There is a noticeable increase in hatred between people, with a sharp increase in antisemitism. The outpouring of anti-Jewish hatred that has continued unabated since Hamas’ attacks on Israel a month ago, has baffled and dismayed many people in this country, while emboldening anti-Semitic voices in unprecedented ways. Jewish communities in Canada have been concerned for years about the steady rise of anti-Jewish sentiments and anti-Semitic attacks. Deeply complacent and sanctimonious Canadian politicians of all stripe have tut-tutted about the concerns and assured us constantly that the warnings were over-wrought and the flare-ups would soon pass. And yet, in an era of “cancel culture”, when tolerance for comparatively mild infelicitous and unthoughtful comments generate widespread pearl-clutching and even state censorship, the most hateful comments in Canadian public spaces pass almost unchallenged. Too many ethnic communities, the most targeted being the Jewish community; this cone of silence has only served to make the community more isolated and vulnerable. It seems that Canada has learned nothing from the long history of anti-Semitism, which often goes underground for years only to rear its ugly head at times of crisis and conflict. Canada, as a nation and a government, has not responded to outbursts of Jewish hatred with the same vigour and determination that it marshals for discrimination and spite directed at other ethnic groups. The Israel/Palestine quandary has occupied generations of Canadian diplomats and government officials, producing more hot air than workable solutions. Moreover, the weakest and most marginalized of Palestinians have borne the brunt of this inaction. Many Palestinians live in unacceptable conditions and face intolerable constraints. The multi-generational traumas they have endured will have long-term impacts. While Palestinians must reject and distance themselves from the Hamas-style extremism if they want international support, there will also be no lasting peace in the Middle East until Palestinians gain greater control over their lives in a region that accepts the permanent presence of both Palestine and the state of Israel. Standing together with Jewish people against hate is consistent with defending the right of the state of Israel to exist and defend itself. Canada has been slow and off the mark on the issue, following rather than leading the international response. Given the woeful state of Canada current global standing and military preparedness, Canadians have learned to expect nothing substantial from the government in the international arena. As Canadians, we must, individually and collectively, speak out and stand up against antisemitism and any kind of ethnic hatred in all forms. We as Canadians would do better to look to building our nation. One can only be saddened that a complex, historical, religious, and geopolitical confrontation has been framed by simplistic, often ahistorical, and hate-filled commentary. Canadians are distraught by the Hamas massacres in Israel and are terrified that the Israeli response will be equally destructive and traumatic, particularly for civilian populations in Gaza. If we have learned anything from the past, it is that silence equals complicity and that failure to stand with vulnerable people leaves them to face blistering and hate-filled attacks on their own, to the detriment of us all. It is my sincere hope that we will once again concentrate on working together to make Canada the most beautiful nation where we all live in harmony and strive to build a better life for our children and grandchildren. What are your thoughts?

DOMESTIC 'V' THE NEW 'N'

domestic ‘v’ the new ‘n’ By Dale Jodoin The stigma surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault against men is further complicated by societal perceptions and reactions. When a woman is seen being pushed around and hit by a man, people are more likely to intervene and offer help. This response is rooted in the widespread recognition and condemnation of violence against women. However, the situation often unfolds differently when the roles are reversed. If a man is being pushed around, screamed at, and hit by a woman, the reactions of bystanders can be markedly different. Instead of receiving immediate support or intervention, the man may find himself further victimized by the assumptions and comments of passersby. People might wonder what he did wrong to provoke such a reaction or joke that he is in trouble, implying that he must have done something to deserve the abuse. This kind of response not only minimizes the man's experience of abuse but also reinforces the harmful stereotype that men cannot be victims of domestic violence or that their experiences are less serious. This disparity in societal reactions contributes to the challenges men face in acknowledging and reporting abuse. It perpetuates the feeling of isolation and the belief that they will not be taken seriously if they speak out. The fear of being ridiculed or not believed can be a significant barrier to seeking help, leading many men to suffer in silence. Addressing this stigma is crucial in creating a society where all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, regardless of gender, feel safe and supported in seeking help. It involves changing the narrative and challenging the stereotypes that contribute to the underreporting and underrecognition of abuse against men. By acknowledging that men can be victims too and fostering an environment where their experiences are taken seriously, we can take significant steps towards providing better support and resources for all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

When Job Searching Master the Art of Brevity

By Nick Kossovan When Job Searching Master the Art of Brevity Recruiters and hiring managers are time stressed. Therefore, they appreciate candidates who keep their communication brief, which shows the candidate is a professional who possesses proficient communication skills and who respects their time. Additionally, brevity gives the candidate the advantage of being heard or read, as opposed to being tuned out. Nowadays, attention spans are measured in seconds; therefore, communicating concisely, especially in corporate settings, is essential. FUN FACT: Humans have an 8.25 second attention span, whereas a goldfish's is nine seconds. The key to mastering brevity is determining what your audience needs to know and what they do not need to know. It is easier to make this judgement if you regard your audience as being on a need-to-know basis. When it comes to an employer: Need to know: · Job responsibilities (e.g., Managed remote 50+ CSRs using Slack.) · Specific (quantified) accomplishments and results that benefited your employer. (e.g., Grew email subscriber list from 100 to 5,000 in 8 months by creating enticing lead magnets.) · Relevant education/certifications · Proven skills/core competencies Do not need to know: · Marital/parental status · Religious/political affiliation · Negative feelings about former employers/co-workers · Medical history The number of candidates I have interviewed who give too much information (TMI) versus keeping their answers brief and to the point never ceases to amaze me. For example, if asked if you have reliable transportation, all you have to say is "Yes," assuming you do—nothing more. There is no need to mention dropping your kids off at school or having just spent $1,500 to repair your 2013 Honda Civic. · Brevity in your written communications Throughout your job search, your written communication skills will be assessed to determine many things about you, mainly your communication and presentation skills and confidence level. My evaluation of a candidate is heavily influenced by their written communication skills. Start with your resume. Your resume should reflect your relevant (keyword) skills, work experience, and academic accomplishments, nothing else. The debate over whether your resume should be one or two pages is ongoing. If you can write a one-page resume that covers all your relevant accomplishments, do it! I have seen such resumes, which always impress me. Otherwise, your two-page resume needs to be compelling enough for the reader to take the time to read it. Ruthless editing is how you keep your writing concise. You can tighten up your resume by eliminating filler words (e.g., "that," "just," "very," and "little") and adverbs which strain your reader's attention, such as "highly," "really," and "simply." Your resume's job is to attract attention with just enough information and persuade the reader you are interview-worthy; therefore, hyper-focus on crafting your resume around what makes you valuable to an employer, which is the results you can achieve with your skills and experience. You may feel all your experience, skills, and achievements should be promoted to employers; however, the opposite is true. Unless directly pertinent to the job, does an employer need to know you have your first aid/CPR certification or floral design certificate? Your resume should only include your experience, skills, and achievements that are directly relevant to the position you are seeking. Furthermore, do not state the obvious, such as "Computer Skills: Outlook, Word" or "References available upon request." A few more suggestions on how you can compress your resume: · Streamline your contact information. (Name, telephone number, email address) · Do not include an objective statement. · Do not include jobs you had more than 15 - 20 years ago. · Separate sentences with a single space, not a double space. · Instruct the reader to visit your LinkedIn profile. (e.g., Link the phrase "Read more in my LinkedIn profile." to your profile.) When it comes to your cover letter, which I recommend you always include in the body of your email, make it short and straightforward. A cover letter's sole function is to motivate the reader to read your resume; therefore, think like a marketer. Dear Nick: I am responding to your posting for an Outbound Call Centre Director. I can offer: · Twelve years of operational call centre management experience in various sales-centric call centres. (average team size 45) · Comfortable achieving annual sales targets between $25 - $35 million, selling non-tangible financial products. · Customer Service Professional Network advisory board member since 2015. · Certified Financial Planner (CFP) · Five9 certified · Bilingual (French, English) Att. resume. Sincerely, Vincent Palermo · Brevity in your verbal communications "Brevity is the best recommendation of speech, whether in a senator or an orator." — Marcus Tullius Cicero Interviews usually last between 30 and 60 minutes; therefore, you do not want to waste valuable time talking about irrelevant details. An interview is not the time to give TMI! I have rejected candidates based on TMI more than once. Answer your interviewer's questions as concisely as possible. If your interviewer wants to know more, they will ask for clarification or follow-up questions."What is your salary expectation?" WRONG: "My salary expectation is between $75,000 and $85,000. However, I am flexible." RIGHT: "$80,000" Candidates who get straight to the point are more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers strapped for time. As attention spans shorten, concise communication benefits your job search and career _____________________________________________________________________ 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

NEWSPRINT VS ONLINE

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 - Before I begin this column I like to disclose the fact that The Central Newspaper was one of two companies that brought internet to Durham Region back 25 years ago. When internet was nothing but a beep on a phone line. Back then, not Bell nor Rogers was interested in the technology. Bell was the only that made the internet available as they had the cable infrastructure to carry the signal. In those days it was reserved for Universities, government and some financial institutions. Very limited in use. The internet in it’s pure form is and was a freeware system with no regulation and or government interference. Ever since then. The government has been looking at ways of regulating and controlling it. Ways to tax users. So far they failed dramatically, until recently. When the government in the interest of protecting Canadian content on some system... actually hurt the industry as internet companies shut the door to Canadian content online. Newspaper panicked, not understanding the internet and it’s protocols and now the government has gained a foot on the door of the internet. Back 25 years ago - The Central was was the first newspaper to publish online across the planet. Yes, right from Oshawa. We made world first. As a matter of fact right out of Oshawa DURHAM CITY CENTRAL RADIO THE WAVE was founded. The very first radio transmission online. Right from Oshawa. This was before YouTube, and most of the modern day browsers. If anything The Central is an expert in internet technologies. Since the days of the internet being nothing but a beep on a phone wire. The internet has come a long way. The first demise was the introduction of search engines. Search engines brought about commercialization. This was the beginning of the end. From search engines came chats. First one that became popular was ICQ. I remember receiving request for the radio transmission from all over the world. I think the final demise of the internet came about when Facebook and the likes entered the arena. The huge popularity and the use of the internet as a weapon instead of a tool took off. The internet once a place of mutual respect and trust. Has been turned upside down. A place for scammer, thieves, to thrive. For government to covertly monitor people, groups and other governments. As a news media person. The internet has tarnished the good name of journalism as anyone now can deem themselves a journalist. Reader today don’t trust what they read... this is why many are going back to local newsprint. Today, not everyone can afford the internet or a computer. Senior and those that are not tech savvy will never go online. The internet is limited and targeted to a group that is damaging the longevity of the net. Online, advertisement is cheap. As the results are minimal and controlled. I always tell my customers. If you are getting results online. You are missing 80% of your clients. Newsprint is making a come back like never before.

Giving Away a Lifetime Is Bittersweet Medicine

The Doctor Game

By Common Sense Health – W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford We find ourselves in the midst of change. During this 100th trip around the sun, it’s finally time for a move to a retirement residence. While the comforts and care of an elegant assisted-living community are welcome, the upheaval is overwhelming! It’s hard to say goodbye to the family home of nearly 50 years. When children and grandchildren visit to savour the memories together, they just as eagerly eye the furniture and appliances! The truth is, being able to give away a lifetime of treasured possessions is a luxury we are grateful to enjoy. Looking around the world, a lot of people would give an arm and a leg to have what we have. For anyone though, there is something universal about the feelings that come with making a final move. Years ago, a favourite Gifford-Jones book was called The Doctor Game. It explained how you can find the best doctor in your area, how to tell a good (or bad) doctor, how to avoid unnecessary surgery, how to be a good patient and how to make the best – and avoid the worst – of the doctor you choose. The Doctor Game was full of practical advice on surgery, on talking about sex with your doctor, on getting the truth from your doctor, on fads and phobias, x-rays, cancer, and virtually every medical concern. Now, it has occurred to us, we have enough material for a new opus. Choosing where and how to live life’s final chapter is a very different game. If you believe the people marketing retirement homes, you’d think you’ve died and gone to heaven. They call it, “lifestyle options”, but that feels a bit pedantic when the choices are between easy-access showers and wheelchair ramps. What are the most important considerations? There is a litany of them. Building up your arsenal of patience is a must. Whatever happened to the days when people used to answer the phone? Our experience is not unique to retirement residences. There’s either a shortage of workers or younger generations just don’t like the phone as much as older people do. Now, if you have a question, you may as well ask Google than hope to find a live person at the ready. What did the resident nurse warn us about moving in? Weight gain is the common problem from the high-caloric food on the mouth-watering daily menu. We’ll be mindful of that. But we also relish the idea of dinners with family and friends that other people prepare. The bathroom is a dangerous place in any home. Mixing up medications and slipping on wet floors are two common threats. Our concern was the accessible shower. We’d love to hear from you. Is it better to have the safety of a shower door with a handle for holding on, or just a shower curtain and no door in case someone needs to lend a hand with bathing in later years? What about the social scene? This we await with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. “Don’t make friends too rapidly,” was the experienced advice of a family member who previously made a similar move. But how delightful it was when on a recent visit to our prospective new home, residents greeted us warmly. We hope, among them, there will be ship captains, professors, and maybe an old doctor or two. Nietzsche, the German philosopher and keen observer of humankind, said, “In heaven, all the interesting people are missing.” Here’s hoping a few of them will be our new neighbours! 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

CLOSE SHAVE

By Dale Jodoin In the bustling city of Oshawa, there's a hidden gem that harks back to a different era: Bruno's Barber Shop. Bruno, the master behind the scissors, has been shaping the community's hair for 40 years, with 35 of those years spent running his own steadfast establishment. His shop isn't just a business; it's a sanctuary for preserving a fading tradition in our modern age. Bruno's place is authentic, unlike some modern shops that try to mimic the style of the 1920s and 1930s with retro decor. These newer places often miss the essence of what made those times special. They might have the look, with their shiny chrome and vintage posters, but they lack the soul. Bruno's, on the other hand, is the real deal. It's a genuine slice of history where every snip of the scissors and buzz of the clippers echoes a long-standing tradition of what a true barber shop should be. This article is asking why places like Bruno's are treasures. It's not just about nostalgia; it's about the loss of a cultural institution. The traditional barber shop was once a cornerstone of freedom and masculinity, a place where men could speak freely and bond over shared experiences. It's a place where boys learned from their elders, where stories and wisdom were as much a part of the experience as the haircut itself. But as times change, we're seeing these bastions of tradition disappearing. It's not just about losing a place to get a haircut; it's about losing the community and the sense of belonging that these spaces offer. Bruno's stands as a defiant reminder of these values, a place that refuses to be swept up in the relentless tides of change. The article would argue that we need to recognize and preserve these social havens. It would be a call to action to support local businesses like Bruno's that are keeping tradition alive. It would remind us that while the world may be moving forward, there's still immense value in looking back and holding onto the places that make us feel connected, grounded, and at home. Bruno's isn't just a relic; it's a living, breathing space where the past is honored, and the present can still experience the simple, unaltered joys of a classic barber shop experience.

The majority of job search advice is cookie-cutter, advice that is not new, just common sense.

By Nick Kossovan The majority of job search advice is cookie-cutter, advice that is not new, just common sense. · Always be networking. · Focus on your strengths. · Show interest in the job. · Before applying, research the company. · Continually improve your resume and LinkedIn profile. Despite following the advice of self-proclaimed job-hunting experts and career coaches, most job seekers struggle to find a job. Most advice does not get to the root of what it takes to succeed. Most people find hard truth advice, often a truism, uncomfortable; hence, they do not want to hear it. I am the opposite; I am grateful for advice that challenges my assumptions and reframes my thinking. More than once, someone's advice has exposed the limitations of my beliefs. Limiting beliefs are the most common obstacle to success. For example, many job seekers believe their age makes them unhireable; hence, they accuse employers of age discrimination, thereby giving themselves permission to believe their lack of job search success is not their fault rather than to analyze whether they are not being hired due to something they are doing or not doing. Consequently, job seekers who believe their age hinders them from being hired tend to gravitate towards advice that supports their belief. (e.g., Remove graduation dates from your resume and only include your last 15 years of work experience.) Most job search advice is syrupy, based on what the advisor thinks job seekers want to hear and therefore fails to address the harsh realities of job hunting or managing a career in a hyper-competitive workplace where everyone is battling to remain relevant. The best advice I ever received, advice that re-engineered my thinking regarding job hunting, as well as how to manage my career, was given to me during a heated exchange while living and working in Chandigarh, India, where I was overseeing a 150-seat call centre. Unexpectedly, the COO of the company called me from California to discuss a process improvement proposal I had made to the CEO, which he strongly disagreed with. A heated disagreement ensued. At the time, I was young and cocky, and I said it was up to the CEO, not him, whether to implement my suggestion. After a long pause, the COO said, "Nick, what other people think of you decides whether or not you move forward in this company." I thanked the COO, admittedly sarcastically, for his backhanded advice, which many would have interpreted as a warning, hung up, and leaned back in my chair. My mind kept replaying his words. Eventually, I realized that his advice was a truism that summed up what it takes to succeed not only in one's career but also in one's life. It takes multiple approvals to receive a job offer. What the person who reads your resume and LinkedIn profile thinks about your ability to do the job and possibly being a fit determines whether you are invited for an interview. You will likely be interviewed two or three times. Each time, your interviewer(s) will be judging you. Aside from dating, I cannot think of an activity in which you are subject to as much judgment (READ: scrutiny), whether on paper, your digital footprint and, of course, face-to-face, then while searching for a job. The COO's advice contradicted the cliche advice to "not worry about what other people think of you." The harsh truth: Nobody is entitled to employment, livelihood, or acceptance; they must be earned. The advice to not worry about what other people think of you is good advice if you are not dependent on other people's approval. However, job searching boils down to seeking approval, often from strangers, that you are worthy of joining their payroll, will fit the team and company culture and will be manageable. When you do not care what other people think about you—disregarding how you come across—you make it difficult for others, especially strangers, to judge you favourably. Therefore, the question: Should you be 100% yourself when searching for a job and managing your career? Not if it hinders you from being judged positively, that you are a professional who can be relied on. In an interview, you are judged based on: · what you are wearing · the words you use · your mannerisms and level of energy · your posture ... and much more. All this judgement happens after the employer has judged your resume, LinkedIn profile, and telephone screening interview to determine if you are face-to-face interview worthy. The hiring process is a judgement process. Keeping the COO's words, "what other people think of you decides whether or not you move forward," top of mind makes me mindful that how I present myself and how others experience me are determining factors in whether I am accepted. In other words, I am constantly reminding myself that I have a great deal of control over how people perceive and experience me, which you also have. If job seekers wish to experience more green lights throughout their job search, regardless of their age, they need to give more serious thought to how they present themselves to employers and hiring managers. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

LET’S STOP IMPORTING WAR

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. Excuse me. Is this still Canada? It appears through multiculturalism we appear to have become a heaven for all kinds of refugees. Refugees that come to Canada to continue the cause from here instead of living a good peaceful life. I could not stop shaking my head.... Last week local schools allowed students to cut class and hit the streets in Pro-Palestine demonstration of support. Really? Kids, mostly 16, 17. They are under age and under the supervision of the school. Educators according to news reports did nothing and could not prevent kids from leaving the schools. This is crazy talk. The educators are entrusted to be the parent during the times kids are forced to go to school. I say forced because they should not have any other choice. What can a 16, 17 year old know about war across the planet. What this tells me is that people with agenda have infiltrated our schools, fed our young minds with hate and organized them against another people. Now don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against the Palestine people or the Israeli. It’s their war not ours. The Palestinian one day decided to start firing rocket towards the Israeli and now they cry victim because the Israeli retaliate. I read another news report. Shots have been fired towards schools in Montreal. Really, what next bombings, kidnapping and beheading? You got to be kidding me this is Canada. I say, that we get tough. Anyone organizing against another people or nation should be expelled out of Canada without chance of return. I feel for the innocent people on both sides. They should not be subjected to violence and random attacks. Remember one thing. We are human first. Fanatics, second. I watched news reports of pick ups full of Hamas pulling up to Israeli neighbourhoods and shoot at anyone and everyone. We can’t allow this to happen to Canada. This is a national disgrace. Just this week. In another media report. In Montreal. A huge anti Israel. The reporter kept emphasizing that it was full of hate towards the Israeli. Where is the police rounding up these fundamentalists? Round them up and send them back to Palestine. We Canadian don’t want or need this impacting our society. We do not want to see the traditional terrorist head wear. We don’t want to see your hate. We want to go to work. Raise a family and contribute in a productive way. Remember why your homeland is a mess. We do not need or want that. Don’t you agree?

This Remembrance Day, it is time for reflection and action…

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As we are back to normal after COVID-19, it is time for Remembrance Day Services on November 11, 2023 to once again be what they were before the pandemic. As a nation, we must be united as never before, in remembering our veterans in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. We must honor them just as we have done every other year before the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic and other politically correct issues. Canadians shouldn’t forget to show their respect for our veterans this year on November 11 as in times past. Wear a poppy with pride. The remembrance must go on as it went on more than hundred years ago to remember the heroes who made Canada a proud nation. Their endurance and sacrifices in face of the war, pandemic and other difficulties should be an example for our generation and generations to come, in preserving our national unity and identity. November 11th is a day to stand in silent reflection of so many other days that have come before it. It is a day that remembers those brave Canadians who consolidated our nation. At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, more than a century ago when the guns of the Great War at last fell silent, the fury of conflict was replaced by a deafening silence. After more than four years of this intense conflict of country against country, human being against human being, we were faced with all we had done, all we had lost and all we had sacrificed as a nation. Despite detractors and those who would rewrite history today, in an attempt to minimize this important event for our nation, Canadians will stand strong in defending the sacrifices of their ancestors for a better, free and strong Canada for centuries to come. We need to remember the wise words of Nobel peace prize laureate and holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel: "Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future." Remembrance Day isn't just about war and those we've lost. It is also about ideals and what we stand for. It's about respecting our past and looking forward with hope, and more than anything, thanking those who have served our country, Canada, with pride and dedication. From the trenches of the First World War, to the Second World War and the Korean War, to the deserts of Afghanistan, years and generations have passed defending the beliefs and values that we as Canadians stand for. One hundred and three years ago, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the armistice between Britain, France, and Germany went into effect, bringing an end to the First World War. More than 625,000 Canadian men and women had served, 154,361 had been wounded and 61,082 had lost their lives—a full 10% of those who served our country, lost their lives for our freedom. The year 1918 and the end of the First World War—the origin of Remembrance Day—seem so very long ago in the context of many of our lives here today. But at the same time, the reality of war is only as far away as a veteran, a family member, friend or neighbour who has been touched by that war or those that have followed. Similarly, much of who and what we are as a nation, was defined by war. And so today, we take the time to reflect, remember and honour those who fought for our freedom in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, Peacekeeping operations and the recent war in Afghanistan. We also remember those who stayed in Canada, and served on home soil in supporting the war efforts. On this day we remember the brave members of our Canadian Armed Forces who left behind what they loved and lived for to carry out their job with purpose and pride. It’s a feeling many of us will never have to experience. As husbands and wives, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, and brothers and sisters, these brave citizens are certainly not faceless. They are friends and neighbours. They have dreams and goals. And they have plans for the future. That’s why it’s important that Remembrance Day has become such a significant part of Canadian culture and will continue to be. Over the course of November 11, communities across our great country will gather around cenotaphs and war memorials to honour our men and women in uniform and the sacrifices they have made and will continue to make for this great country. We are not celebrating war; we are celebrating freedom and nationhood thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us and future generations of Canadians. We pause to reflect on those who have, indeed, made the ultimate sacrifice. They put themselves on the line out of a sense of duty, to defend our freedom, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Their unwavering bravery has made all Canadians proud. That these brave citizens would put themselves on the line to defend freedom, human rights, democracy and the rule of law is most honourable. We owe them a debt of gratitude the rest of us can never repay. Let us also remember in these difficult times the words of John F. Kennedy: “ Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” The least we can do is to come together to show our respect during a moment of silence, to think of them, the risks they took, and their sacrifices. We’ll forever remember, never forget. Lest we forget!

Remembrance day - more than words

Remembrance day is upon us. A date that is respectfully celebrated in remembrance of those fallen, those serving to protect our way of life, our rights and freedoms. A time that many don’t fully understand and at times hypocritically show up for the wrong reason. I say this with such liberty as in today confused modern society as many of us don’t fully understand the intent of the sacrifices made by those before us. Take for example the literal meaning and interpretations of Freedom, Rights, Choice. Freedom is for all. To do as one pleases within law. Within reason and in the spirit of civil responsibility. Rights are for all to enjoy as we execute our many freedoms. Those before us knew the importance of these two words. They knew the important of have choice and not fear persecution. As with anything in our modern lives. Rights and Freedoms are not always understood and many select to interpret it in what ever way is best suited for them. This brings to life prejudice. I do not so much mean the color of your skin. But prejudice of association, point of view and or compliance to agenda. As an elected political I can tell you first hand how our rights and freedoms are controlled and restricted. This impacting our choices. I was elected to serve the people of PIckering. Bylaw, regulation and policy set forth in the name of fairness and civility of the process is also use as a tool of conformity. A tool to oppress and take away the rights and freedom of which those before us sacrificed to assure we all enjoy. Case in point just recently, I have had my pay taken away for 3 months for speaking my mind. Policy, bylaw, procedure allows the City to in part take away my right and freedom. I sometimes feel as a victim of the system. A system that is set to control my rights and freedoms as a human being, as a politician. But most importantly as a human being. Policy makers, politician are quick to show up at remembrance day events and get all patriotic. In some cases hypocritically for the wrong reason as they openly practice through policy and practice restrictive measures that go against the sacrifices made by those before us. I much like those fallen in the past. I stand for rights and freedoms for all. I support our forces and all the services pertaining to the same. I will never be compromised and or silent to protect any agenda. God Speed.

kEEPING YOU INFORMED

By Maurice Brenner Deputy Mayor/Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Marshall McLuhan once said, “The medium is the message” as an Politician I have come to learn that the medium we choose to communicate is equally as important as the message itself. In these challenging times the Public relies on a cross section of communication tools but one that has and continues to be important is the Tabloid News Paper. In the many decades that I have served the Public, local news papers have played a key role getting information out, which is why I am pleased to have been invited to submit a regular Community Column to the Oshawa/Durham Central News. With so many challenges that the world is facing, and all the negativity that we see every time we turn on the TV or click on our smart devices, it is my goal to use opportunity to share with readers some of the positive things that can happen when we work together as a community and engage with mutual respect. This week I will be focussing on a successful initiative that brought together a Regional Business to fill a void in the City of Pickering. Simple FUN through a ride on the TOWN TROLLEY across the Pickering Waterfront. The Town Trolley is an actual Trolley that was the last one built in 1964 by General Motors. It’s finished in oak and brass. The Trolley can seat up to 30 guests. It’s not only great for tourism, but also supports community. The Trolley is licensed by MTO and carries 8 Million in Insurance that as required in Ontario. A ride on the the Trolley reduces up to 18 vehicles with just one load of 30 passengers. According to the company, success has shown a 90 % reduction in the carbon footprint. On October 29th, I along with Pickering Councillors Cook and Nagy, joined over 140 passengers, who took advantage of a FREE tour across PICKERING’S beautiful waterfront while learning about its history. The Trolley will be back in Pickering with the return of the Santa Claus Parade November 25th. For more information about the Town Trolley call 800-979-2913

REMEMBRANCE DAY

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 - Remembrance by defenition - ‘the action of remembering something. "a flash of understanding or remembrance passed between them" - the action of remembering the dead, especially in a ceremony.’ The question that echoes in my heart is. Are we not hypocritical in celebrating one day a year, the sacrifices of so many. Should we not be celebrating service to country every day? Celebrating by assuring that all that served are well taken care. That they live a lifestyle that is reflective of their service and sacrifices? To those wounded, to have the Federal assure that they will live the rest of their days without suffering or worry. The unfortunate reality is that many returning from war suffer the usual trauma associated with war. From psychological to physical injury. Our military retiree and returning personel are in many cases left to fend for themselves. To depend on a system that is substandard and leaving many in poverty or worst. Is this what remembrance is all about? Pretending we care by politicians that take hefty pay cheques home. By politicians that have no clue on what it takes to face war, turmoil, death? Instead our politicians rather send billions to foreign lands to fight age long civil/religious wars. Supporting causes that are non Canadian in interest. Meanwhile our own people. Our own veterans. The family of veterans suffer. Should we not be using memorial day as a time to rebel against a government that ignores the reality of many veterans and instead prioritizes the need of foreign countries. I know. Some may be thinking. Joe, that is to strong of a language. Almost inappropriate for such times. Remembrance is about humbling oneself to the appreciation of the sacrifices and suffering of those that have served and are serving. I wonder if those whom become insulted by the truth are not the ones that are hypocritically showing up once a year at remembrance day, making historical speeches in memory. Personally, I call for people to stop the tear jerking and start demanding resolve from all those politicians that show up for photo opportunity in the shadow of the fallen. I find their actions, hypocritical and wrong. I think that the legions across the land should receive from their municipalities one hundred thousand dollars to offset expenses. I believe the Federal government in show of respect for those serving and falling should assure that every soldier that falls and or is serving is assure a set amount of a hefty pension that equal to the Prime Minister. After all we have the Federal money to send billions overseas to ease the suffering there. Why not invest in our people and ease the suffering at home.

Canada’s small businesses in crisis

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East October is Small Business Month, and the challenges they face are numerous, including lockdown-era loans coming due, inflation, persistently high interest rates and labour shortages. Small and medium sized businesses are significant contributors to the Canadian economy. For context, small businesses made up 98.0% of all employer businesses in Canada in 2020, employing 9.7 million individuals in Canada - approximately 64% of the total labour force. By comparison, medium-sized businesses employed 3.2 million individuals (21.2% of the labour force) and large businesses employed 2.3 million individuals (14.8% of the labour force). If we look at the Province of Ontario, the most populous province of Canada, we see that small-business owners are struggling in a mental-health “echo pandemic” and lack the resources to deal with employee and self-burnout, according to a report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). Certainly, the prospective of an economic slow down or a forthcoming recession is not helping small business stay afloat. The recent succession of prime rate increases by the Bank of Canada is not helping either. With over 494,000 small businesses in Ontario, the sector employs more than four million people, or 71 per cent of the private-sector work force in the province, the OCC says. According to the OCC, which advocates on behalf of approximately 60,000 businesses across the province, 45 per cent of small-business owners said they felt “overwhelming stress” dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including inflation, supply chain issues and employee retention. Two-thirds of small-business owners also said they were closer to burning out after two years of COVID-19-related stress, according to a survey conducted last year. Financial challenges continue to be top-of-mind for business owners in Canada. More than half of small business owners (55%) say they are being confronted with increased materials costs due to inflationary pressures or continually rising interest rates. This figure is up seven points from last year, when just under half (48%) of business owners said they felt pressure due to these increased costs. Ontario business owners are the most likely to say they anticipate financial difficulties in the year ahead (15%), compared with those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba who are least likely to anticipate financial difficulties (5%). An important component of small businesses in Canada is represented by the restaurant industry. The foodservice industry is an economic engine. Restaurants across the country generate $100 billion in sales (accounting for 4% of Canada’s GDP), are the fourth largest employer in Canada, employing 1 million people, and serve 22 million customers every day. The impact of the pandemic, 3 years of volatility and steep inflation have taken a toll on the future success of restaurants. According to a survey conducted by Restaurants Canada, 84% of foodservice companies reported lower profits in 2023 than in 2019, and over half of all foodservice companies are currently operating at a loss or just breaking even compared to 12% pre-pandemic. This decline in profitability is not a reflection of the quality of service or the ability of restaurants to provide a good meal; rather, it is a result of the challenging economic environment and reduced discretionary spending among Canadians. The reality is that operating a restaurant in Canada has never been more challenging than it is today, and hidden costs, along with broader economic challenges, are killing businesses. As we head into the winter months, which historically see lower guest counts as Canadians choose quiet nights at home, over meals in a restaurant, these challenges will continue to compound. With heavy debt-loads hanging over 66% of foodservice businesses, high inflation and skyrocketing operational costs are taking their toll. To ensure the survival and success of the foodservice industry and small businesses in general, it is essential that government and policymakers take concrete steps to support restaurant and small businesses profitability. Lowering the small business tax rate from 9% to 8% would provide much-needed relief to restaurant operators, allowing them to pay off debt, invest in energy-saving equipment, and expand employee benefits. Maintaining a cap on the alcohol excise tax escalator and allowing restaurant meals to be fully deductible business expenses would further incentivize growth and investment in the industry. Furthermore, addressing labor shortages is crucial for the long-term viability of restaurants. What small business and the restaurant industry need is a dedicated stream in the immigration system, especially for the restaurant industry. Current immigration streams have proven to be a poor fit for the restaurant industry and have done little to prevent massive labour shortages from wreaking havoc on businesses. The importance of restaurants extends beyond their economic contributions. They serve as gathering places, where people come together to share meals, create memories, and build social connections. Independent restaurants are an integral part of the social fabric of our communities, and their closure would result in the loss of vibrant meeting spaces and cultural hubs. The industry is the top provider of first-time jobs in Canada, with one in five Canadians between the ages of 15 and 24 currently employed in a restaurant. They are also the first employer for half of all newcomers to the country. When restaurants close in masse, it represents more than economic hardship: losing restaurants means losing jobs, community gathering points, and the places that bring so many newcomers and young Canadians to the workforce. Helping restaurants regain their balance will bring vibrancy back to the industry and keep more doors open this winter. Let us hope governments are listening and acting accordingly. It is time to pay more attention to the needs of Canadians and curtail useless, non- accountable, generous foreign aid. What do you think?

Teacher’s Pet I am 32 and a mom with two children. I’ve pretty much been single for two years. My problem is I found myself falling for my son’s teacher. I never saw a ring on his finger, so last school year I made every attempt to visit my son’s school as often as I could. Eventually I took the chicken’s way out and emailed this man and told him how I felt. He replied that he was flattered, we can remain friends, and he is my child’s teacher. I emailed back saying I didn’t know what I was doing and was not sure how uncomfortable things would be. He said it would be fine, no feelings hurt. Once again, he is teaching my child, and I still feel the same way. He is such a great man, so dedicated to the kids in his class. He is the man I want to get to know better. I have only seen him once this school year, but we often talk on the phone, though always about my son. We get along so well and laugh like it is natural. Whether he is just being nice, I don’t know. After this year, he will no longer be my child’s teacher. Is there any way for me to find out if he’d like to continue talking? I’m hoping for more. I’ve been hurt in the past, but with him it just feels so different, so right. Anya Anya, if you expect to have the right to say no and you want that listened to and respected, then you have to know he has the same right. He said no. When you get a no, you move on. If your lottery ticket is one number off, it doesn’t matter. As much as you would like it to be a winner, the numbers don’t match and you don’t have the winning ticket. There is no sense dwelling on it. Badgering him will make it less likely he will want to talk with you at all. There is one great positive in this. You have come in contact with a good man with the characteristics you’ve been looking for. He has given you a model for what you want. You want a man who makes you feel like this one. This teacher is teaching you a lesson. He has been patient with you. Show him that you have learned. As Thomas Carruthers said, “A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.” Wayne & Tamara Building Amenities To begin with, I’m 60 years of age. My male friend is younger, but we knew each other from our school days. It’s one of those things. We always liked each other’s style and wanted to get next to each other. Sex is wonderful, but he has another woman he has relations with, and we all live in the same building. I tried to stop our little fling, but he was sad and I was sad, so we’re back together. However, I can’t deal with the other woman. I don’t want to be by myself. I want a man, and of course he is the one I want. Am I being foolish or what? Jorie Jorie, you want him to stop seeing the other woman, but she may want you to do the same. You are playing a waiting game, trying to outlast each other. You can’t accept that you have an unfaithful male, but you can’t battle every woman willing to have sex with him. The one person you can affect is him. You can do that by withdrawing your affections. If he really likes your style and wants to be next to you, he can make that choice. If he doesn’t, you will stop wasting time on the wrong man for you. You have the power to cut his sex life in half. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com

Missing Messages in Infection Prevention

By Common Sense Health – W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Influenza, or the flu, is on the rise this time of year. That’s because the virus spreads easily when people are indoors in close contact and when the air is less humid and colder. So, it makes sense that International Infection Prevention Week takes place in October. But what doesn’t make sense is the absence of an important message. Public health officials offer a standard list of best practices to reduce the risk of infections. Hand hygiene is top of the list. It’s a fact that many people don’t wash their hands after using the toilet. But they will clutch their mobile phones, which never get washed, before during and after trips to the toilet. Hands and phones are both common vehicles for the transmission of microorganisms from one person to another. Use of cleaners and disinfectants is another recommendation. It's been said that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” and that's true to a point. But don't forget that valuable life lessons come from embracing the messiness and imperfections of our human experience. What about vaccinations? It’s on the list as it should be. From measles, mumps, and rubella to typhoid and polio, vaccinations have saved millions of lives. If you have doubts, don’t rely on one expert’s opinion. Do your research. Read widely. Vaccines are a vital part of our toolkit for fighting infections. COVID migrated personal protective equipment from the surgical theatre into public settings and PPE is now a familiar acronym. We’ve learned new respiratory etiquette, too. Get that elbow in place for a sneeze, then bring out the hand sanitize in a show of extra effort. Infections can be transmitted in hospitals, assisted living residences, and in kitchens everywhere – on medical instruments, in food, and in the air. Following safety instructions is crucial to minimize risk, especially for vulnerable people. But what’s the missing message? Never neglect the importance of building and maintaining a robust immune system. Why is the message to strengthen natural defenses so frequently overshadowed? There is nothing in comparison to the sophistication with which the body naturally sorts bacterial and viral friend from foe. A strong, natural immune response is an excellent defence against the flu and other common infections. Evolved over millennia to keep us safe, the immune system is a remarkable network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect the body from harmful invaders. Building a strong immune system isn't rocket science. You need a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains that provide the essential nutrients for immune function. Vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc are known to bolster immunity. But you need high doses of C, to keep cells primed for a fight, on the order of 1,000 mg a couple of times a day. Higher doses are needed in the moment of crisis when the fight is on against powerful combatants. There are other important steps. Exercise promotes circulation of immune cells, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms. Staying hydrated is crucial. Quality sleep is essential for immune system restoration and function. Research suggests that emotional well-being has a beneficial impact on immune function too. By contrast, chronic stress suppresses the immune system. If you feel under pressure, get into meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. If you gut is out of whack, your immune system probably is too. Consume probiotic-rich foods or take supplements. It goes without saying that smokers must quit, and alcohol use should be moderate or not at all. It's ironic that health authorities don’t share this message. We’d have better infection prevention if they did. 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

13 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR

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 - As a small local business owner. I see first hand the importance of people shopping local. A recent classic example. A Toronto based company with offices in Oshawa went bankrupt. Leaving many without a job and without any pay. Yes, I mean Metroland. In its proposal to creditors, released, the company said it has a total of $15.5 million in assets alongside debts of over $78.2, Rummors have it that the debt is more like $160 million. Metroland Media Group, the sister company to the Toronto Star that filed for protection from creditors last month, has said it intends to pay unsecured creditors — including more than 600 employees laid off last month — at least 13 cents on the dollar for what they’re owed. The company says it intends to pay former employees an amount equal to which they would receive under the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP), a federal program that covers a portion of wages, vacation pay and severance owed to employees in a bankruptcy or receivership, to a maximum of $8,278, which they refer to as the “employee basket.” What a great company... I wonder how many advertisers they still owe money to. I heard that Metroland Media still attempting to push it’s online version. How much of a fool do people have to be in order to fall for their online offerings? Well, the internet has become quite the public toilet. So much so that we as amedia company have stopped relying on it as a means to present the news. The Central newspaper was one of the original companies to bring internet to the area. The Central knows the technology inside and out. Social media was great 10 years ago. Today it has become nothing short of a public toilet. A place that scammer, frauds and general malae arena. It is a suckers game. Companies from the U.S. have hit Canadian small business hard in the past with the fake representation of being GOOGLE and promising to optimize local businesses. Normally charging from $200 - $600/mth. To practically do nothing but make it look like the clients particular company has all of a sudden risen to the top of google listing. In reality it has not moved. All they do is create an environment that simulates the main page with surrounding competitors to give the optical of being higher ranked. When I hear clients tell me they are doing social media. 1. They have no budget. 2. They are doing it themselves. A good social media campaign is a living organism that take expertise and at the least four hour a day commitment.

Ontario and the Housing Crisis

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East We are facing an unprecedented housing crisis in Canada, especially in Ontario. The federal government’s practice of increasing immigration to record high levels despite economic problems in the country, is adding to a slow but latent growth in the lack of housing issue. The high cost of housing and rent is a major concern for many Canadians, particularly Ontarians. According to a recent Leger poll, 59 per cent of Ontarians worry about paying their mortgage or rent, and 96 per cent of Ontarians believe the increasing cost of rent is a serious problem. It is not wrong to assume that a lack of coordination between the three levels of government over many years, has caused this problem. Certainly, the high interest rate set by the Bank of Canada does not help people with mortgages. It is time that the Bank of Canada represents the interests of Canadians rather than the interests of International Finance. There is a widening disparity between the number of people wanting to rent or buy homes and the number of actual homes available. As the number of potential homebuyers and renters, increases much faster than the number of homes available for purchase or rent, housing prices go through the roof. Clearly, builders, particularly in Ontario, are not building enough homes. Several studies confirm that we are facing a particularly sharp increase in the number of homebuyers and renters in Ontario relative to the number of new homes completed a gap that has been widening since 2014. Roughly a decade ago, the population in the province was growing by 1.6 people for every home built. As population growth has increased, in 2022 that number has skyrocketed to 5.5 new residents per home built which is the highest number in the last 50 years. The situation is critical in Toronto and the GTA is also impacted. At the same time, builders in Ontario are constructing fewer homes than they did in the 1970s. Housing completions averaged 87,368 per year in the province from 1972-1979. During that time, the number of homes built was roughly in line with the number of new people when the province’s population grew by an average of 98,353 people each year. Circumstances are quite different today. Population growth in Ontario was especially notable in 2022 when the province’s population increased by 445,495 which is the highest annual increase by a wide margin. Yet builders were only able to build 71,838 new houses last year. Considering this data, we can see that housing demand has increased substantially but home building has not kept pace. This housing shortage has pushed prices and rents upwards for Ontarians. Consequently, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates that 1.85 million homes must be built in the province by 2030 to restore housing affordability for Ontarians. Policymakers’ at all three levels of government have taken some desperate and hasty patching measures recently to address housing affordability. However, they must go further and faster with a coordinated effort. Housing starts are trending down rather than up. The longer it takes to approve new housing and the more fees and taxes developers pay, the less housing will be built and the longer it will take. In the meantime the federal government is generously shovelling taxpayers’ money abroad. In desperation, the federal government continues to roll out new programs aimed at making it easier to buy homes. However, throwing money at the demand side of the housing market only serves to boost prices. It is not only a waste of money, it is also counterproductive. However, what can we expect? When was the last time the federal government showed interest in carefully managing hard-earned taxpayers’ money? The reality is, that the federal government is missing in action where the housing crisis is concerned. No plan, no real action, just wavering. On the other hand, in Ontario, the Ford government should be laser-focused on closing the gap between housing supply and housing demand, and should avoid or rescind any new or existing policy that stokes demand. It should be less focused on useless exercises like the ill-conceived green belt fiasco. Governments, including municipalities across the province, should work to relax zoning laws, reduce developer fees, and speed up permit processes to help boost housing supply. The increased bureaucracy at all levels of government is a burden on development. It only creates little empires in the public service, to justify their need for more people and money. People doing no useful jobs, just wasting more taxpayers’ money. Let us hope that reality will check in and governments at all levels will wake up, to deal with the housing crisis that is becoming a serious problem in Canada. Canada needs real, pro-active leadership to deal with this issue, not word smiting legislation and chaotic, mindless, knee-jerk reactions. What do you think?

RETARDED AND LOVING IT

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. Excusa mie Inglishy - I meant ’I am retired and loving it’. Before I continue I best disclose the biblical meaning of Retarded... I mean dictionary meaning so that those that may be offended can take a deep breath, peel back a lolly pop and suck until soothing level is achieved. Ok, Stop laughing or I will stop this column right here.... By definition retarded: In modern usage, retard is a pejorative term either for someone with a mental disability or for someone who is considered stupid, slow to understand, or ineffective in some way. The adjective retarded is in the same way used for something very foolish or stupid. Ok, now that we got that out of the way.... back to your regularly scheduled column. What is it with Canada. We are becoming third world. I am an immigrant. I came to this country to contribute and better Canada. I think, I achieved that. Today, what I am seeing is those that are being allowed to migrate come here with alternative motives. First and foremost. Let’s stop importing refugees that are basically people not wanted by their own nations. The rift-raft that is persecuted with extreme prejudice back in their homeland. Only to have the Canadian government welcome them with open arms so that they may continue their cause from abroad. Canada let’s them in with no standards no real qualification. This is wrong. What is even worst is that we hard working Canadians are forced to pay their way once they are here. Even worst. These same refugees instead of integrating and contributing...expect to continue their loosing effort with our tax dollar. Then you have the immigrants that come on a silver platter. Bring so many millions into Canada and Canada forgets about standards and rolls out the red carpet. This is so wrong as many coming on a silver platter have no intention of contributing but instead to rape and pillage our economy, our social system and continue their home traditions, culture and politics right here in Canada. Many not even caring about Canada. This is wrong. Now, I welcome any Immigrant that want to contribute and actively contributes. I welcome refugees that fight a cause that is defending Canada. We got to stop the import of other nations drama and unwanted. Look at all those in our country suffering. Look at all the people going hungry to bed. Look at all that have to work 4 jobs to pay for rent. Come on people. What kind of retards are we? Now I know why our national anthem starts with “OH CANADA”. It is time to create the retarded peoples party of Canada. A true people’s party. All retard welcome. After all is this not how the government treat us now?

a new kind of war By Dale Jodoin U.S. Faces a Different Kind of Civil War: Canada Watches with Concern and Self-Reflection United States, our neighbor to the south, appears to be inside the midst of a unique type of civil battle. This isn't approximately weapons and bullets. It's a conflict being fought in courtrooms and on TV screens. The former U.S. President is loudly claiming he failed to lose the election fairly. Many are rallying at the back of him, inflicting a deep divide. The new leaders, consisting of the modern president, are below intense scrutiny. With impeachment court cases underway and the president's son going through crook investigations, the political landscape is more unstable than ever. Additionally, the ex-president is dealing with an onslaught from more than one courts, each trying to impeach him and save him from jogging in the imminent election. It's a war of phrases, legal guidelines, and legitimacy, not weapons. The media landscape is muddled. Different channels, one-of-a-kind narratives. It's hard to discern the reality. Everyone appears to have picked a side, and they're fiercely protecting it. Amidst this, an as soon as-loved figure is hard on the pinnacle leaders, mainly to him being excluded. Even some inside the ruling faction are being sidelined for dissenting views. From Canada's point of view, it is like watching a civil battle spread in a very new manner. But as we watch, we also reflect on our personal kingdom. Canada too is now divided, with clear strains drawn among the left and the proper. The news, which was once a supply of readability, has turned out to be difficult for plenty. The left, especially, has been criticized for promoting a "cancel lifestyle ", where dissenting voices are silenced or excluded. It's now not pretty much land or strength; it's about beliefs, values, and the very material of democracy. For us Canadians, it is no longer simply a subject for our pals inside the U.S. We're starting to see pointers of the equal divisions and debates right here domestically. The same passionate disagreements, the same deep divides. It's a be-careful call. The world wishes both the U.S. And Canada to be strong, united, and at peace. We're all hoping for a manner ahead that brings healing and harmony. The demanding situations are massive, but the desire for a brighter destiny stays.