How Much Does Poor Accounting Play a Role in Business Failure?

By Daryl Ching, CFA | Managing Partner Vistance Capital Advisory When an entrepreneur sets out to start a business, they often have a vision to launch a product or service that will change the world. Entrepreneurs are often either innovative inventors or masterful marketers, and in some rare cases, both. However, very rarely are entrepreneurs strong in accounting and finance, yet it is precisely accounting and finance that provide the lifeline required for a business to survive. It is an unfortunate reality that entrepreneurs must learn to deal with financial data and cash flow. The majority of small businesses at an early stage are set up with a part-time bookkeeper and a CPA firm that shows up once a year at year-end to generate annual financial statements and file taxes. Most business owners opt for the most cost-effective engagement called a “Compilation Engagement” (previously known as Notice to Reader), where the accountant is not required to undergo tests or provide any assurance that the financials are accurate. While this often results in a total spend of no more than $15,000-20,000 in accounting for the entire year, the end result is that the business owner has a set of financial statements that are very inaccurate. They may be good enough for tax purposes, but they are certainly not “investor ready”. Based on this state: · Business owners often know their annual top-line revenue and net profit, but not much detail in between on their profit and loss statement. · Business owners often do not know on a month-to-month basis how profitable they are and therefore lack understanding of what expenses they can afford to take on. Many early-stage business owners view accounting as a cost center and cannot fathom investing money into resources that do not directly generate revenue. There is money in the bank, the company is meeting its obligations, revenue is growing, and the CRA isn’t bothering them, so why does this matter? What really are the consequences of kicking this can down the road? 1. Being rejected for a loan or equity investment because the financial statements are inaccurate and do not match the business plan. The cleanup process may take months and cost thousands of dollars. 2. Being rejected for subsidies and grants from the government because the financial statements are inaccurate. 3. Running out of cash unexpectedly and having to tell employees and vendors they need to wait an extra month for their payment. 4. Losing money month to month and not fully understanding if it is the gross profit margin isn’t high enough on products and services or if fixed costs are too high. 5. Getting called for an audit by the CRA and being asked to produce invoices and banking transactions going back three years. These are the common drivers that force business owners to invest more in their accounting. They may not drive a company into insolvency, but they certainly are setbacks that are stressful, distracting, and can deviate the trajectory of a company’s success. So the question is, should an entrepreneur wait until something like this happens before they become proactive on accounting? According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 70% of small businesses fail within 10 years of startup. The most common reason for this failure is because they run out of cash. This is not to say that this is entirely a finance and accounting problem. It’s possible the company just couldn’t generate sales, the idea wasn’t strong enough, or they had a poor management team and couldn’t execute. However, it is also likely that a large number of them failed because they couldn’t raise the capital they needed, could not manage their expenses and cash flow, or weren’t charging enough for their products because they didn’t fully understand their gross margins. It is our opinion that an investment in accounting and finance at an early stage significantly increases the chances of business survival and will pay for itself because it can help business owners achieve their goals faster than trying to fly blind.

WHEN MUNICIPALITIES PRACTICE CENSORSHIP

when municipalities practice censorship 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 always joke. When something does not seem right. Press, the ‘DON’T DRINK THE WATER’, button as it is the only explanation why one municipality after the other keeps falling for this out of control wave of disrespect towards taxpayers. Politicians across Durham like to fill their mouths with words like, inclusion, equality, fairness, openness. With catch phrases like “Supporting our local economies, our local businesses.” What they do not tell you is that if they can’t get a photo opt out of it or they benefit directly some way. You are black balled. I remember the days, when Oshawa was going from a public place to an institution. Members of the public would make presentations, become emotional over the lack of support from those elected and lash out. The most notorious was the Bill Steeles incident. A local activist that was set up by the City of Oshawa. During a particular municipal session. The City had called in for undercover to sit in chamber. During the meeting. Steeles was ruled out of order. Subsequently he was assaulted by a security guard as it appeared on a Rogers broadcast. This assault was resisted only to have the three undercover, jump him and remove the citizen by force. Since then, City of Oshawa chambers has become a fortress. 2 million tax payer dollars to protect staff and council members. Did you know that the Mayor of Oshawa has a body guard? 2 million of your tax dollars due to the incompetency of those elected on how to deal with the public and hostility. This past week. I witnessed Pickering becoming Oshawa. During the recent Pickering town meeting. Councillor Robinson vs Mayor Kevin Ashe standing feud, hit a fever pitch. Where is the integrity commissioner that is supposed to monitor and control such behavior coming from the Mayor. The Mayor during the meeting was asked by a delegate to apologize to a female councillor for telling her that if she did not behave he would put her on a short leash. When questioned why he would treat his fellow council woman with such respect and indirectly calling her a bitch. The mayor lost it and became silenced and would not apologize. In turn he tried to justify his statement ‘as that not what it means...’ Since the closing of Metroland. The politically motivated controlled through contract favored media company. The City refuses to do business with The Central unless we meet a particular criteria that was not mandated from The STAR. This type of unfair business practice does not serve anyone and contradict the ‘support your local businesses.’ The city has no way to get the word out to tax payers. One would have thought to support the only in print newspaper. No, instead they set up road block, while the City tax payers suffer in the shadows. All municipalities across the region have taken the path of forcing citizens to go online to get information, including important notices that they by law should be publishing in this paper. No instead municipalities have opted for posting notices online and deeming them published. This way they can control and monitor what they put out and that is censorship. This is wrong in so many ways but also a easy way for municipalities to contravene the Ontario Municipal Boards root purpose. This being that municipalities should be maintained at arms length in order to avoid censorship and or cohesion Clearly all municipalities fail to recognize the difference between what is deemed a post and what is deem publishing. By definition: Publish means to issue something for sale or distribution, while post, in this context as a verb, means to make public something-or-other. Provincial laws and regulations require municipalities to purchase public notices in newspapers, which are defined in the Legislation Act as a publication “printed in sheet form, published at regular intervals of a week or less and circulated to the general public.” Criteria that the award winning The Central has met for over 29 years. So why the exclusion in a region that prides itself on being inclusiveness, fairness, and openness to all business. Are their actions not hypocritical? The problem with modern day councils is that those we elect to office do not have the life experience and or the intellect to make the decisions they are faced with. What do they do. They turn to staff. Staff main objective is to keep their high paying jobs. They are given a task they do it to the best of their abilities. In turn. Councils take their recommendation as gospel and make decision that in many cases end up costing the tax payer dearly. This in part is why taxes keep going up. It is not about cost. It is about bad decision and wasteful spending. Staff does not care as they are doing their job. Council does not care as if something is a failure...they acted on staff recommendation. This leaving out the, “LEADERSHIP”, out of the equation. Council members that have sat for years, know best. Make no trouble and you be elected on name recognition time and time again. This is not the people’s representation. This is a dangerous game of collusion at best. You don’t play by their rules. You are black balled. They become untouchable and protected by law they make as they go along.

Beheading Canadian History

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East With summer around the corner, Canadians are getting ready to celebrate Canada Day on the 1st of July. Unfortunately, a recent trend in Canada works to ignore and minimize the achievements of our nation’s builders, and even demonize them. It has become fashionable to demolish statues and change the names of streets, public buildings and other commemorative spaces, in an attempt to erase any trace of our historical greats. This reminds me of what went on in communist Romania during my youth. At that time, there was an avid tendency to rewrite history with an emphasis on what was politically correct and in line with the thinking of the then current regime the law and order; to toe the line of the respective doctrine. After more than half a century, I see that very similar things are happening in my adoptive country, Canada. I would never have believed, in my wildest dreams that I would have to go through this experience again. These trends are especially harmful for the youth of this country. They are the most affected by these radical changes to our history, promoted so enthusiastically and consistently by our homegrown globalist influenced delusional elites. Youth are no longer encouraged to find common bonds, but are pushed to focus on what divides them, instead. Wander the halls in any public high school in Toronto and the GTA, and you will see displays and murals commemorating Canada’s sins: Murdered and Missing Women and Girls, Black Lives Matter, Trans Rights Matter. Kids are fed a culture of division from their earliest days. Schools supposedly advocate inclusivity, but what they practice is segregation. Everyone must be labeled, put in a box. You belong to this race, this faith, this sexuality, this victimized group. You are this first, second and third, and then, somewhere at the end of the line, presumably, you are a humble Canadian. Not long ago, students used to sport the maple leaf when they backpacked abroad. Our nation’s leaders used to say “the world needs more Canada.” Not any more. Today, we are encouraged to be ashamed of the bad, ugly, colonialist and racist Canada. Having served the country to the best of my abilities in the Canadian Armed Forces and the House of Commons, I am now puzzled by what Canada has become. I am proud of Canada but I feel that it is no longer fashionable to say so out loud. Rather than acknowledging the complex history of Canada, Canada’s historical narrative is being actively rewritten by a politically correct, left-wing elitist minority to present a sanitized and ahistorical account that aligns better with the “values” of contemporary Canada. The significance of historic actors is being diminished through studying legacies with the lens of morality, intent on condemning imperfections. The way Canadian history is being dishonoured and diminished is revolting. What intrigues me most is the treatment of the memory of one of the greatest Canadian statesmen, Sir John A. Macdonald. Revisionist history has set its sights on Macdonald and will not relent until his image is totally destroyed. It seems to me that thoughts and opinions about him are forced into and distorted by today’s biased vision, which insists on pointing out only the errors he might have committed in a different century when he may have had good intentions that were executed badly. Not long ago, Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, used to be regarded as one of Canada’s greatest statesmen. Looked upon with reverence, his name adorned public institutions and his image was crafted in bronze monuments that towered over city streets. Today he is considered a disgraced politician, despite his momentous achievements and commendable dedication to building Canada. His memory faces the wrath of cancel culture and woke ideology that seeks to thrust the stains of Canada’s history onto a single individual. Few figures, if any, in Canadian history have suffered recently so drastic and unforgiving a decline as Macdonald. In 2018 the City of Victoria removed its Macdonald statue, built in 1982 following public donations. In 2020 Macdonald’s Wilmot Township statue in Ontario was removed, despite being part of a publicly funded project that sought to commemorate every Canadian prime minister. In April 2021 the Regina memorial to Macdonald, built following intense public lobbying over 75 years, was removed in secret. In May 2021, the Charlottetown statue of Macdonald was removed following a unanimous vote by Charlottetown City Council. The removal came after consulting a local Charlottetown First Nations community who did not call for the statue’s removal, but rather, provided recommendations on how to update the statue to better reflect their historic experiences. In June 2021 Macdonald’s statue located in City Park, Kingston, Ontario – built in 1895 following public desire – was forcefully toppled. Toronto’s Macdonald statue is currently encased in a wooden and burlap tomb where it has been in hiding for nearly four years. I am wondering whether, maybe, the Covid-19 pandemic brought on a new disease affecting our history, perhaps an unrecognized side-effect of the known dangerous effects on our general health. As of 2024, there is only one Macdonald statue left standing and uncovered in Canada, located on Parliament Hill. Fuelled by growing trends of revisionism, presentism, and “woke-ism,” Macdonald’s legacy is being destroyed as Canadian history is increasingly studied through the lens of contemporary morality, condemning imperfections and ignoring historical context. As a result, the grievances of contemporary Canada are heaped upon Macdonald as a way to help Canadians come to terms with the elements of Canada’s foundation that do not fit into the narratives of “progressivism,” “tolerance,” and “multiculturalism.” Macdonald’s image is distorted, questioned, and actively diminished. It unfairly renders him guilty of past injustices. Today’s Macdonald is often viewed as a racist, genocidal tyrant, reduced to a caricature of his shortcomings and diminished as a drunk. I hope that this nonsense will end soon, and reason will prevail so Canadians can reclaim the accurate image of Sir John A. Macdonald and others who had a role in making Canada the great nation of today. No one has the right to judge only the negatives of Canada. We all need to find a way to improve our country and not demonize it gratuitously. Let us hope and work for a summer to be proud of, with the Canadian flag flying high!

The Surprising Reality of Ukraine's Middle-Aged Soldiers

By Dale Jodoin In Ukraine, most soldiers fighting on the front lines are middle-aged, with an average age of around 43 years years old. This is surprising because we often think of soldiers as being young and fit. However, in Ukraine, many older men, often aged between 40 and 65, are the ones stepping up to defend their country. There are several reasons why Ukraine's soldiers are older. First, there are simply more men aged 40-59 in Ukraine than there are men aged 18-25. This means there are more middle-aged men available to serve. Additionally, Ukraine's conscription policies have traditionally aimed to protect younger men by setting the lower age limit for conscription at 27. The idea was to safeguard the future of the country by keeping younger generations out of the war. However, due to the ongoing conflict and high casualty rates, there have been talks about lowering this age to 25 to get more recruits. Older soldiers bring both advantages and challenges to the Ukrainian military. On the one hand, they often have more life experience and can be more psychologically stable, which is very important in the high-stress environment of war. They also tend to have valuable technical skills and professional experience that can be very useful. On the other hand, older soldiers might not be as physically resilient or quick to recover from the strains of combat compared to younger soldiers. This can impact their effectiveness in demanding roles that require rapid movement and physical endurance. If a similar situation were to occur in countries like Canada or the United States, the implications would be significant. Middle-aged soldiers might be able to provide steady, experienced presence on the battlefield, but there would also be concerns about their physical capacity to endure prolonged combat operations. One major difference in these countries, however, is the cultural attitude towards military service and resilience. In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend among younger generations in Canada and the United States to seek out "safe spaces" and prioritize mental well-being over traditional notions of toughness and resilience. This trend is often criticized by older generations who view it as a sign of weakening resolve and a lack of preparedness for the harsh realities of life, including military service. The focus on mental health and safe spaces is not inherently negative; it represents a shift towards recognizing and addressing psychological well-being. However, in the context of military readiness, this cultural shift poses unique challenges. The military environment is inherently stressful and demanding, requiring individuals to cope with high-pressure situations and physical strain. In Canada, for instance, the Canadian Armed Forces have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining personnel. The emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive environment has sometimes clashed with the traditional demands of military service. Efforts to modernize the military culture to be more inclusive and supportive of mental health are ongoing, but they must be balanced with maintaining operational effectiveness. In the United States, similar trends are evident. The U.S. military has also had to adapt to changing societal norms and attitudes towards mental health. The integration of mental health services and support systems within the military is crucial, but it also highlights the tension between supporting soldiers' well-being and preparing them for the rigors of combat. If Canada or the United States were to face a situation similar to Ukraine's, where a significant portion of the military forces is composed of older soldiers, it would necessitate a reevaluation of current policies and cultural attitudes. The experience of Ukraine shows that older soldiers can be effective, but they also face unique challenges that must be addressed. One potential approach is to foster a culture of resilience and readiness among younger generations without dismissing the importance of mental health. This can be achieved through comprehensive training programs that emphasize physical fitness, mental toughness, and adaptability, while also providing robust support systems for mental health. Additionally, policies that encourage voluntary service and provide incentives for younger individuals to join the military can help balance the age distribution of military personnel. This could include educational benefits, career development opportunities, and other incentives that make military service an attractive option for young people. Ukraine's reliance on older soldiers highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of an aging military force. While they bring valuable experience and stability, the physical demands of modern warfare may require a reevaluation of current conscription policies to ensure a more balanced and capable military force. For Canada and the United States, the challenge lies in fostering a culture that values both resilience and mental well-being, ensuring that the military remains prepared for future conflicts while supporting the psychological health of its personnel.

Sharing Too Much Information May Hinder Your Job Search

By Nick Kossovan In Mad Men’s season four episode Waldorf Stories, Roger Sterling tells Don Draper, who'd just interviewed a junior copywriter candidate, who unbeknownst to him was Roger's wife's cousin, advice he gave him he knew seldom works in the corporate world: "I told him to be himself. That was pretty mean, I guess." The key to getting hired is telling your interviewer what they want to hear without sinking yourself by telling him or her what they don't need to hear. Always remember: Employers make judgments about what you communicate. For example, if you live close to the employer, you should let them know, as this will be seen as a plus, whereas if you don't, you should keep it to yourself. (e.g., If you live quite a distance away, stating your address on your resume could disqualify you as a candidate who's not "geographically desirable.) The hiring process, especially at the interview stage, is a process of disqualification. 500 applicants, one position to fill necessitates disqualifying 499 candidates, which makes hiring a fundamentally adversarial process. Therefore, the fewer excuses you give an employer why they shouldn't hire you, the higher your odds of getting hired. I see it all the time: job seekers who run themselves into walls by oversharing. More than once, I wanted to say, "Don't say that! You're coming across as if you can't control yourself." Nobody is entitled to acceptance. I know from firsthand experience that being "myself" often has consequences. Call it arrogance or overconfidence; in terms of job searching, I'm a let the chips fall where they may type of guy. For me, it's imperative I feel welcomed and I'm a good fit. Therefore, throughout the hiring process, I don't hide my personality, hobbies or how I approach and value my work. If I'm not hired for those reasons—being who I am— which has happened many times, then that's not an employer I'd be comfortable working for; therefore, I averted what would have been a negative working situation. Despite my "this is who I am" attitude, I'll say this as someone who has worked in the corporate world for longer than I care to admit: Sometimes, you need to filter, especially when speaking with someone who can hire you. Learning how to read a room—call it having "social intelligence"—and using your reading to know what to say and, more importantly, what not to say is a skill that'll serve you well. It should go without saying that what you communicate about yourself will influence what the other person thinks of you. Hence, before "communicating," ask yourself if what you're about to reveal, be it on your resume, LinkedIn profile, social media or especially during an interview, will help or hinder you. What will the reader/person you're speaking with do with the information you're offering? Over the years, I've interviewed many different personality-type people, resulting in some interesting interactions. I once had a candidate reveal they were seriously contemplating having a sex change and were in the process of consulting doctors. I still have no clue why they decided to bring this up. When communicating with employers, only share relevant information about yourself that will sell you as an asset to the bottom line and enable them to gauge you as you want them to, thereby influencing some, but not all, of the employer's hiring decision-making narrative, including, but again not all, biases. For me, I want a potential employer to gauge whether I, as authentic me (key), will be a fit, thus why I communicate who I am as much as I do. I don't want to put on a show to be accepted, only to end up in a workplace that doesn't work for me. NOTE: I speak for myself. Suppose you want to convey you're a team player. In this case, besides offering examples from your work history, mention you play in an adult baseball league. Want your interviewer to see you as someone creative? Then, mention you paint landscapes. Compassionate? Let your interviewer know you volunteer at the local suicide hotline. Healthy? Mention you jog 5 km every evening to unwind. Fair or not, everything you communicate about yourself, including your speech (e.g., vocabulary, pronunciation, use of profanity) and physical appearance, is used to form an opinion about you. You control much of how people perceive you, which means you control the determining hiring decision factor: Hiring managers hire candidates they feel good about. As a rule, steer clear of the obvious taboo subjects—religion, politics, gossip, conspiracy theories and partying. In addition, don't bring up: · Your finances. · Having a side business. · Your retirement plans. · That you're desperate for a job. · Health issues that won't interfere with your job performance or require special accommodations. When you overshare, especially during an interview, you increase the odds of providing information that'll be used to disqualify you. Before you say anything, post it on your social media or LinkedIn profile or include it on your resume; think carefully about how you'll be perceived, then act accordingly _____________________________________________________________________ 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

NOT IN MY BACKYARD

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. What is wrong with this country? What is wrong with out Federal government? OK, that is a rhetorical question as we all know what is wrong with it and counting the days to an election. Then, again. Do we truly have an alternative choice. Are we jumping from the frying pan on to the fire, when it comes to Canadian politics? I personally think, that it should be illegal to support foreign wars. That we as the Canadian government should stop supporting foreign civil wars and or war in general. We are supposed to be a peace loving nation. Not one that take sides on global conflict in order to obtain votes back home and or make it look like the average Canadian gives a rats ass. As Canadians we should care about Canadians. We should stop funding the Ukraine for example and use that money to dissolve the suffering happening on a daily basis right here at home. Suffering at many levels. From the person loosing their home due to foreclosure. To the many that are forced to live on the streets. Many today that live on our streets are not drug addicts. They are folk like me and you. Living in cars. In some cases with young children. Sure there is social services. But there is also basic human pride. I know personally. I would never turn to hand out. I would work 5 jobs 24 hours a day in order to preserve my dignity and pride, and not that flag waving rainbow crap. We as Canadians need to raise our standards. Get rid of this everything is ok mentality. Unify our people so that our customs, traditions and culture is preserved. I was born in Italy. I cam to this country for a reason. To contribute and to be proud to call myself Canadian. I do not expect anyone to learn my language. To eat my food. I will not dress other than within Canadian norms and traditions. I read about students negotiating at Durham College with administrators over the Palestine situation. I say, throw them in jail. Take their academic status away and if not from this country. Send them back. I don’t have to accept you. You on the other hand owe Canada for the opportunity to be here. CANADA FOR CANADIANS.

Kissing The Cobra

from Wayne & Tamara I am currently separated from my husband who is having an affair. We've been married four years, and we just bought a condominium. Things were looking hopeful. We've had some challenges, including him not working much while I supported him emotionally and financially. For the past seven months he's had a steady income, thus we bought the condo. He cruelly announced to me in an unsafe place--at a conference where I had professional commitments--that he loves another woman and would have married her if he hadn't married me. I am heartbroken. We've been to marriage counseling. I've been in shock, dismay, anger, and terrible grief as I adore my husband and have been faithful to him throughout our marriage. Yet I am not willing to tolerate his behavior, so I filed for divorce. I found out the condominium we bought is near where this woman lives. My husband wants us to continue and have her in our marriage, too. He calls her his concubine. It's so insane! I've seen them together, and I go into shock and then extreme anger at this violation. The violation is further increased by the fact she is a doctor of divinity, a minister, and active in a local spiritual community. My husband is a professional, and we both have a spiritual path we follow. I am so confused and sorrowful. I don't even know what to ask, except I keep reading about other couples who overcome infidelity. Leslie Leslie, a well-known television executive, now deceased, was famous for his affairs. When he finished with a woman, he would invite her to lunch at a posh restaurant. There, over lobster or foie gras, he would announce the end of their affair. He counted on the public surroundings to control her dismay and anger. This executive's nickname was the "Smiling Cobra." Your husband is another smiling cobra. Telling you at the conference was a mean-spirited and selfish thing to do. You say you are suffering from emotional numbness, sleep disturbances, and disruption of social functioning. That condition has a name: post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD happens to people who have suffered life-threatening events like military combat, natural disaster, or violent personal assault. You have suffered a personal assault and a marital disaster. You are proceeding on the correct course. Your husband's desire to keep a "concubine" ended the marriage. Reach out to helpful people and seek individual counseling from a professional experienced in dealing with traumatic stress. Wayne & Tamara Like Versus Love I've been in a relationship with a loving, sweet man. From the start we spent a great deal of time together, usually at his house because he has a lot of issues with panic attacks and driving. As time went on he told me he loved me and could see spending the rest of his life with me. I thought he was incredibly hot, and to be honest, I could not keep my hands off him. A month ago I woke up one morning and felt numb. Everything that seemed perfect about him before seemed imperfect. I started analyzing him and finding a million things wrong. I even started dreading his daily calls. He did nothing wrong, I mean, he's been the same person all along. Why do I feel this way? My friends think I may have commitment issues. Samantha Samantha, we had a golden retriever named Einstein. He had hip dysplasia and arthritis, even as a youngster. Some might have seen a million things wrong with him, but we never did because we loved him so. With this man you narrowed your focus to the pleasurable elements, but at the first inkling of making this permanent, you were forced to see the rest of him. That's not a commitment problem. That's realizing you don't want to own all the things you see wrong with this man. 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.

Get Fit in Virtual Reality

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Lao Tsu, the ancient Chinese philosopher, said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” Unfortunately, a lot of people are speeding to the wrong destination, each year putting on extra pounds and becoming more sedentary. But people do have choices. Make a change now to be more active, one way or another, or anticipate the inevitable earlier than necessary. What’s a new way to get active that may seem unappealing to those who haven’t tried it yet? New research suggests that virtual reality (VR) might be the ticket, including for older adults. Strapping on a bulky headset and learning to use the technology are the first obstacles, but the benefits for those who get into the game are impressive. VR can take many different forms, but here we are talking about computer-based equipment that enables users to interact with a simulated environment while getting feedback on performance. In one study, a group of older citizens was supervised using VR equipment to engage in stretching, aerobic, and coordination exercises. In comparison with another group not exercising, the study participants improved their fitness, flexibility, strength, cardiorespiratory performance, balance and agility. The technology can be fun. Admittedly, a pleasant walk around the block with the family dog is a wholesome tradition. But don’t preclude the idea of descending into the basement to where the kids have hooked up the VR equipment. It remains to be seen if older citizens will take up VR games for fitness, but science suggests we should promote it. VR is emerging as a promising tool in the treatment of more than just general fitness. For Parkinson’s disease, innovative use of virtual reality games is proving more effective than traditional approaches to improve gait and balance and to reduce the risk of falls. Researchers are now exploring the potential for VR exercises to produce better results in reducing pain, improving disability, enhancing range of motion, and increasing treatment satisfaction in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. VR is being used in the treatment of mental health problems too, with promising results in treating anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance-related and eating disorders. Among older adults, the technology is helping make more accurate diagnosis of cognitive impairments. Researchers are also finding that people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can benefit from VR experiences that evoke a sense of the familiar. At University College London, a VR game is being tested for effectiveness in identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s by assessing how well people navigate simulated surroundings. A study conducted by Stanford University immersed seniors into virtual reality experiences such as parachuting, playing with puppies, or taking in panoramic views of remarkable places around the world. Researchers are measuring the extent to which participating in VR activities improve outlook and social connectivity. Retirement communities and assisted living residences are taking note of the entertainment value, but also in the physical, mental and social elements of VR. But it’s the effectiveness of VR in weight loss and general fitness that deserves more attention – for children, adults, and seniors alike. A study published in the Journal of Human Sport and Exercise involved two similar groups of people riding exercise bikes at the same level of resistance, with one group wearing VR headsets. “The data collected led to the conclusion that working out while wearing a virtual reality headset will lead to a higher heart rate, and in turn can lead to burning more calories during a workout.” So treat VR as another option for exercising, and enjoy all the extra benefits. 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

IN A FEW DAYS IT’S PRIDE MONTH, OOPS, I MEANT JUNE

~~~ THOUGHTS & COMMENTS ~~~ By D. Lynne, Associate Columnist ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` June is a month with Many Month Long Celebrations some of which are as follows: - Seniors Month - National Indigenous History Month - Italian Heritage Month - Filipino Heritage Month - Portuguese Heritage Month - I apologize if I missed some. Unfortunately we hear little of these celebrations, they tend to be forgotten to be overshadowed byPride Month or, as it is now referred to as, Pride Season, June - Sep. WHY? Hmmm ….. the majority of people I have spoken with or heard from over this past year, have a live and let live attitude. They have nothing against the LGBTQ. However, as parents, and as grandparents, as aunts & uncles, as brothers & sisters, they do resent the lies, the promotions, the campaigns which our governments, through schools, the children’s aide societies, medical associations etc. are subjecting our young children to. Some of these topics we wrote about previously and will most likely write about again at another time. For now, the concerns fall on the way, this past year especially, Pride Flags symbols and drawings are all over classrooms, on hallway bulletin boards, on driveways & crosswalks. Why is it that everyone is promoting the Rainbow Flag? Is it for fear of being called homophobic or transphobic etc? Clothing manufacturers, & other manufacturers, and retailers do it for the money. Hmmm ….. why is there such a big push on the Rainbow Flag? Ask yourself, what’s the end goal We were taught that the Rainbow was God’s promise never to bring the floods as a judgment. Part of the Pride movement being promoted is “Drag Queens’ and the “Pride Parade”. Why does the Children’s Aide Society promote Drag Queens Story Times in libraries? Most Drag Queens appear to present themselves as females in flashy make-up and sexy clothes. Drag Queens have always been adult entertainment and now they’re being promoted as proper entertainment for children, toddlers and babies? Hmmm ….. I have to ask, what are the people thinking that promote this, what is their reasoning and why? I heard that it was said by Pickering Councillor Cook, that “Drag Queens were no different than Mrs. Doubtfire” Hmmm … she thinks that Robin Williams character being a divorced man who dressed up as a gray-haired grandmotherly type to look after his children is the same as men dressing as overly sexual females to be around minors is the same thing? The Pride Parade some think it’s great fun others find it adult entertainment, what do you think? Before you answer let me ask you a few questions? • would you walk naked around your children (toddlers to 16 yr)? • would you take your children to a nudist colony with you? • would you take your children to a female or male strip show? • would you take your children to a porn show? All of the above is considered Adult entertainment and requires a proof of age to attend so why is it okay to subject your underage minor children to the nudity, to people in sex games attire, to people dressed in fake gross genitals, etc. you might deny that this happens but the proof is in the pictures many of which were taken each year at the pride Parade by professional photographers who posted on the internet Hmmm ….. If you walk down the street nude you would get arrested for indecent exposure, so why is it okay to be nude on the streets of Toronto because you are in the Pride Parade?? PRIDE MONTH - DOES IT MAKE YOU PROUD

WHERE IS THE INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER?

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor This week I received this email. I am appalled at what is going on in our City. As your representative I vow to make things right and bring back dignity, respect and accountability. Please have a read: The Pickering Council Controversy: Undermining Democracy, Public Feedback, and Engaging in Bullying Introduction The City of Pickering’s council has recently been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Controversies surrounding the conduct of its members, including the mayor, have brought to light issues that undermine democratic principles, stifle public feedback, and foster an environment of discrimination and bullying. This article aims to unpack the detailed findings of a report that reveals the systemic problems within the council, highlighting the importance of open debate, respectful conduct, and transparent governance. The Importance of Debate in Democracy Debate is the lifeblood of democracy. It ensures that diverse viewpoints are considered and that decisions reflect the collective will of the people. Robust debate in municipal councils is essential as it allows for the thorough examination of policies, encourages transparency, and holds elected officials accountable. More importantly, it provides a platform for council members to represent their constituents’ interests effectively. In Pickering, however, this democratic ideal seems to be under threat. The council’s recent behavior shows a disturbing trend of shutting down dissenting voices and dismissing legitimate concerns, leading to a toxic and unproductive political environment. Council Conduct: A Case Study in Inappropriate Behavior Numerous reports highlight instances of bullying, inappropriate behavior, and unprofessionalism within the Pickering council. The mayor’s conduct has been particularly troubling, with instances of name-calling and derogatory remarks directed at both council members and the public. Example 1: During a council meeting, the mayor referred to Councilor Robinson’s supporters as “nut cases.” This unprofessional language not only disrespects differing viewpoints but also undermines the decorum expected of public officials. Example 2: The mayor has a history of inflammatory comments, calling individuals “Nazi supporters” and “conspiracy theorists,” both during public forums and on social media. Such behavior polarizes the community and stifles constructive dialogue. Example 3: Councilor Lisa Robinson has faced repeated interruptions and unjustified reprimands from the mayor whenever she attempts to discuss critical issues like the World Economic Forum (WEF) or smart cities, hindering her ability to represent her constituents effectively. Inappropriate Social Media Conduct The mayor’s use of social media as a platform to belittle and insult critics further exacerbates the toxic political climate in Pickering. Instance 1: On multiple occasions, the mayor has posted derogatory comments about Councilor Robinson, implying her motions were not worth considering. This public shaming undermines her credibility and deters other council members from voicing dissenting opinions. Instance 2: In response to a constituent’s criticism, the mayor told them to “go have another drink,” insinuating they were drunk. Such responses are dismissive and unprofessional, discouraging public engagement. Instance 3: Labeling critics as “conspiracy theorists” and “Nazi supporters” on social media not only dismisses their concerns but also creates a hostile environment for anyone who disagrees with the mayor’s views. Discrimination and Bullying: Targeting Councilors The treatment of Councilor Lisa Robinson exemplifies the discriminatory and bullying behavior within the council. Her motions, which aimed to promote neutrality and inclusivity, were met with unwarranted backlash and accusations of transphobia and homophobia. Motion 1: Robinson proposed a motion to prohibit the flying of non-governmental flags on city flagpoles, intending to maintain governmental neutrality. Despite not targeting any specific group, she was accused of transphobia and homophobia. Motion 2: A motion to ensure inclusive washroom policies was twisted to portray Robinson as transphobic, despite her clear intent to offer more options and inclusivity. Motion 3: Robinson’s motion to impose an age restriction on certain events, such as Pride and drag queen story time, was met with severe backlash and led to the council suspending her pay for three months, a punitive measure that disproportionately affected her as a single mother. Financial Hardship and Community Support The council’s decision to suspend Robinson’s pay left her in a precarious financial situation. Community members had to pool resources to help her cover basic expenses, underscoring the severity of the council’s punitive actions and the lack of internal support she received. Trespass Orders: Silencing Dissent The council has also used trespass orders as a tool to silence dissent and control public participation. Incident 1: A resident was issued a trespass order for refusing to stop talking during a meeting. This response was disproportionate and highlights the council’s intolerance for dissenting voices. Incident 2: A videographer was trespassed after his equipment was damaged by members of the LGBT community. Instead of addressing the perpetrators, the council targeted the videographer, silencing his efforts to document and share council proceedings. Integrity Commissioner Complaints: Bias and Selective Enforcement Over 27 reports have been filed against various council members, yet only two complaints against Councilor Robinson have been addressed. This selective enforcement raises serious questions about the Integrity Commissioner’s impartiality and effectiveness. Psychological Harassment: A Toxic Environment Psychological harassment, including exclusion, public humiliation, and gaslighting, is pervasive within the Pickering council. Example 1: Robinson’s photo was deliberately cropped out of official event pictures, marginalizing her and diminishing her presence within the council. Example 2: Public meetings and social media platforms are used to humiliate and demean Robinson, further stifling her ability to represent her constituents. Example 3: Gaslighting tactics, such as dismissing her complaints and twisting her intentions, undermine her credibility and confidence. Undermining Public Debate and Feedback The council has made several procedural changes that limit public participation and transparency. New bylaws restrict non-Pickering residents from speaking on agenda items and limit the ability of residents to introduce new topics for discussion. Exacerbating Problems: Shutting Down Debate and Bullying Instead of addressing concerns through open debate, the council has shut down dissenting voices and bullied those who speak out. This approach alienates a significant portion of the community, fostering resentment and distrust. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

The Role of Municipal Government:

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Reflecting back 200 Years- Pickering/Durham Region Recently I accepted an invitation to speak to a High School Class on the history and role of Municipal Government (Local Government) and what better way to gather my content, I turned to “Google”. What I found was a journey into the history of Pickering/Durham and the role that those early settlers played to change history. A Citizen Revolt: In the mid-1800s, The Crown(England) appointed members of conservative local elites (Tories) who monopolized political power in settler colonies. These Colonies were situated in Upper and Lower Canada (present-day Ontario and Quebec) Initially political reformers led primarily by professionals (lawyers, journalists, and doctors) attempted to change the system through peaceful, constitutional means. When this failed, and with growing frustrations, a group referred to as the “Rebels” embarked in an armed rebellion in 1837/1838. Many of the leaders of these armed rebels lived in what we today refer to as Pickering and Durham. While the British Government forces were able to crush the uprisings, 1,500 people were arrested, 250 deported and 50 hung. One of the most known leaders of the rebels was Peter Mathews, a farmer who moved to Pickering Township in 1799. Mathews served along side Isaac Brock in the militia during the War of 1812. In 1837 with the British imposing their power on the settlers, Mathews became active in the Political Union movement hoping to pressure the British Government to grant reforms. When this failed Mathews lead a group from Pickering as part of the William Lyon Mackenzie upraising. As the battle unfolded Mathews and his group of 60 men from Pickering, took part in the Rebellion of 1837. It was a short battle that cost Mathews his life. He pleaded guilty of “Treason” hoping for mercy but was sentenced to hang, making the Pickering settler an example. Today in the small Hamlet of Brougham a short distance from the Mathews farm, a Heritage Plaque was erected recognizing the important role Mathews played and died for, fighting for Local Government and Local Decision making. Creation of Local Government and the Municipal Act: With the Rebellion over following the hanging of Mathews ,in 1838, the British government sent Lord Durham (Who Durham Region has been named after) to investigate the causes of the rebellions and to recommend reforms to prevent a similar up rising from re-occurring. Today we would call this a Public Inquiry. Acting on the Lord Durham Report, in 1841, the “District Councils Act was past creating Municipal Government in Ontario. This Act in 1849 gave birth to one of the first acts of the newly formed Government of Ontario, the creation of “local self government” the Municipal Act of 1849 which provided for the incorporation of local Municipalities. By1868, Ontario had local representation, 36 counties, 399 townships and 104 cities, towns and villages. All with duly elected leaders from a cross section of what we refer today as communities, to govern and make inclusive decisions with-in its legislated mandate. Flash Forward 2024: What has changed? While Municipalities were created out of an uprising of rebels from Pickering resulting in self governance, the role of Municipalities and their elected leaders continues to be threatened. Communities, Local leaders, and Councils alike are frustrated at being treated like children and told what is best for us. But Centuries later, it is not by the British Government of the 1800s but by the same body that was created through Confederation to protect self governance, the Provincial Government of Ontario. We as Municipal politicians are told we are the children of the Province. Through amendments of the Municipal Act and various pieces of Legislation, under protest boundaries have been realigned, forced amalgamations have been imposed. We have have been threaten of elimination if we do not co-operate. We have been stripped of important decision making in Planning, and now the introduction of Strong Mayor Powers. As Councillors we feel disrespected with our ability to govern as elected officials eroded. So ask your selves what has changed in 200 years. To be clear, I am not promoting civil unrest nor a rebellion. As Communities and as Municipal Councils by working together, we do have the power of the pen and the ability to pass resolutions for positive change. By working in partnership with communities, we can make a difference the same as a modern day Peter Mathews would through grass route local decision making something that should never be compromised.

Words... I LoveYou!!!

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 - What is it about words... that make communication so difficult. They say that we are the supreme being due to our ability to use language and communicate. Our ability to discuss and rationalize things through. Then again you look around and you wonder sometimes if some of us are not better not being able to communicate. I say this with such liberty as words interpretation and usage in many cases are highly dependable on emotion, context and content. Take for example the word ‘LOVE’. Love entices a particular emotion that can be communicated in various ways as it can be interpreted. Then if we have such issues with such a simple word. Imagine the composition of a series of words. Or the interpretation of words like “Democracy”. Just about every individual has a notion of the word. A personal interpretation and an emotional trigger for the use of such word....Much like ‘LOVE’. People will fight tooth and nail on Democracy but they are truly meaning Civil Rights or Human Rights. Freedom of speech and so on. In part this is why world peace may never be achieved. Language is a tool and a weapon. Language is rooted in culture, customs and traditions. Therefore, to purely express intent, direction and or interest. The many fundamental in the rooted language makes it impossible to reach an accord. Even within the same language an accord may not be reached and the message is debated with inadequate communication. I remember my days at the University, taking a fourth year linguistics course. I remember the professor taking each student a side and asking. Do you really want to take this course? I answered him with the obvious, YES. He looked at me and said, “This is not about languages. This is about communicating. In this class your life will change for ever. Are you sure you want to be here? He stirred my interest and I replied. “YES”. He then told me that when humans communicate. Only 40% of what is said. Is actually what was intended to be communicated. I asked what happened to the other 60%? He said “ask me that at the end of the course.” I will never forget that professor. He truly changed my life. His course helped me with this newspaper. My adult life as an editor is to get in people’s minds. Some call it propaganda. Others call it sublime interference. Either way. As a communications expert. Your primary job is to get people to do what they would normally not do. All while maintaining integrity and utilizing the journalistic tool box. I sometimes sit back and smile as life is not what we think it is. It is a never ending journey of interpretation, understanding and learning. I love democracy...or do I? Who is this democracy?

D-Day anniversary 2024

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East nIn Canada today, we are at war with high inflation, uncertain economic times and international tension due to the continuing war in Ukraine and the Middle East. We therefore need to remember as never before, and reflect on the sacrifices that our ancestors have made for us. They should not have fought in vain to secure our freedom, to keep democracy alive in our country and the comfortable standard of living that we have enjoyed for generations. It is time to cherish their memory and learn from their patriotism. We need to ensure that their efforts to win over the evils of fascism were not in vain. Particularly during this new dark period that threatens our very existence, we need to keep up our courage and stand up against our adversaries as our ancestors have done. We need to stay strong in the face of today’s unprecedented challenges. We are currently facing a crucial time in our history in fighting the evil of an unknown upcoming new world order and related societal malaises. In combination, the consequences of the past pandemic and social dysfunction are similar to fighting a new kind of world war with worldwide consequences and yet unforeseen effects on Canadians. On 6 June we are marking the eightieth anniversary of D-Day, the beginning of the Battle of Normandy, along a 100 km stretch of French coastline across the English Channel from Great Britain. This was the largest seaborne invasion in history and a crucial day in winning the war against evil; Nazi Germany. The assault on the beaches of Normandy by British, American, and Canadian troops on the 6th of June 1944, who would then fight their way across Western Europe, has gone down in history as a memorable event. The codenames of where the troops landed — Omaha and Utah for the Americans, Gold and Sword for the British, and Juno for the Canadians — remain familiar today. The Normandy landings, Operation Overlord, marked the beginning of the end of six long years of conflict between Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany and the Allied forces. The development of the role for Canada in the D-Day invasion has a history going back a few years. Following the Dunkirk evacuation Canadians began to come over to Great Britain. They were well-prepared and took on the role of defending the British Isles. They built up around the south coast of England and operated in a defensive and anti-invasion role from May 1940 to July 1943. At that time the 1st Canadian Division was detached and sent to Italy, but the bulk of Canadian forces remained in Britain for all those years. Canadian sailors, soldiers and airmen played a critical role in the Allied invasion of Normandy, beginning the bloody campaign to liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation. Nearly 150,000 Allied troops landed or parachuted into the invasion area on D-Day, including 14,000 Canadians at Juno Beach. The Royal Canadian Navy contributed 110 ships and 10,000 sailors and the RCAF contributed 15 fighter and fighter-bomber squadrons to the assault. Total Allied casualties on D-Day reached more than 10,000. By the end of the Battle of Normandy, the Allies had suffered 209,000 casualties, including more than 18,700 Canadians. Over 5,000 Canadian soldiers died. From the D-Day landings on the 6th of June 1944 through to the encirclement of the German army at Falaise on the 21st of August this was one of the pivotal events of the Second World War and the scene of some of Canada's greatest feats of arms. Juno Beach was the Allied code name for a 10 km stretch of French coast. It fell to more than 14,000 volunteer soldiers from across Canada, under Major-General Rod Keller, commander of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, to storm the Juno Beach coast line. They seized the beach and its seaside villages while under intense fire from German defenders — an extraordinary example of military skill, reinforced by countless acts of personal courage. The 3rd Infantry Division took heavy casualties in its first wave of attack but took control of the beach by the end of the day. There were 1,074 Canadian casualties, including 359 killed. All things considered, the Canadian troops did very well on D-Day. The Canadians and the British in the Gold and Juno sector made it farther inland than any of the other invasion forces. They had managed to link up their forward units some distance inland, which was a measure of success. At the end of the day, the Queen’s Own Rifles had actually captured its objective, which was short of the overall divisional objective but goes to show that some of the Canadian units were quite successful in the first hours. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten even though their generation is starting to fade into the fog of history. For the time being D-Day still seems to be in the Canadian public’s consciousness. Their memory must be preserved for the millennials and generations to come in order to eliminate the causes of further conflagrations. D-Day embodied the courage and determination to prevail in that war. It was fought over issues that are still alive today — such as ideology, globalism and injustice. It was an exceptionally difficult and hazardous military operation. It was an operation in which Canadians took a major central role in the war to preserve freedom and democracy. For these reasons and more, it’s important to keep the memory of D-Day alive. The dead, along with scores of other Canadians killed in the fighting during the weeks that followed, are buried in the serene and beautiful Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer, just behind Juno Beach. This, and numerous other memorials throughout Courseulles, Bernières and St. Aubin-sur-Mer, commemorate Canada’s sacrifice on D-Day. A private museum, the Juno Beach Centre, overlooking the beach at Courseulles, also tells the story of Canada’s role in the invasion of Normandy. Every year on the 6th of June, the people of the villages along Juno Beach pay tribute to the men and women who fought and died there. They parade through streets festooned with maple leaf flags and hold services and vigils along parts of the seawall, in memory of their Canadian liberators. Long live their memory! Long live the courage those men and women demonstrated. May our current generations and governments show just as much courage in our current hour of need. We can’t afford to wait for someone else to fight for our rights and freedom. We must all take a stand against the tyranny of incompetent leadership, political correctness at the expense of merit, and the stripping away of our individual freedoms in the name of political expediency. Wake up Canada! Have we forgotten; what are we waiting for?

The Paradox of Being Fat and Starving: A Modern Dilemma

By Dale Jodoin In today's world, particularly in countries like Canada, the United States, and Great Britain, we are witnessing a paradoxical situation: people are both fat and starving. This might sound contradictory, but let me explain how this scenario has come to be. Historical Context: The Great Depression Back in the Great Depression, men and women were struggling to find food. They were skinnier and fitter because they had limited access to food. The available food was mostly real, unprocessed food. Vegetables were readily available, and people ate what they grew. This trend continued up until the 1970s, with diets consisting of fresh vegetables, regular dishes, and meats. Then something changed in the late 70s. The Rise of Processed Foods Around this time, food manufacturers discovered how to make chemicals taste like fruits and vegetables. They also figured out how to add high fructose corn syrup to increase addiction to these foods. Today, processed meats have more sodium, fat, and sugars than ever before. Even fruits, which used to be a healthy choice, have been bred to contain more sugar, increasing their addictive potential. Consider this: we have cleaning products that contain real lemon juice, but the lemon drinks we consume have artificial flavors and colors instead of real lemon. This discrepancy illustrates the shift from real, nutritious food to artificial, chemically enhanced products. The Cost of Eating Healthy The price of vegetables today is often by the pound, not by the head or by quantity as it used to be. A nutritious meal can cost $15 to $20, while a meal high in fats and sugars costs around $12. This price difference makes it difficult for many to afford healthy meals. The food industry prioritizes profit over health. Processed foods are cheaper to produce and more profitable, leading to an increase in their availability and consumption. This is why people in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain are struggling to afford nutritious food, contributing to the rise in obesity despite high levels of food insecurity. The Struggle with Weight and Health Many believe that simply exercising more and eating less will solve the problem. However, the issue is more complex. When people can't afford nutritious food, they turn to cheaper, unhealthy options. This not only leads to weight gain but also contributes to other health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. The Impact of Stress It's important to understand that stress plays a significant role in this problem. People who are overweight often face stress related to their finances and food choices. They worry that every meal might be their last decent one for a while. This stress can exacerbate the problem, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Misguided Solutions and Public Perception Some people advocate for higher taxes on junk food and restaurant meals to discourage their consumption. However, this approach is misguided. It's not just about making unhealthy food more expensive; it's about making healthy food more accessible and affordable. Doctors often tell overweight individuals to eat less and exercise more. While well-intentioned, this advice fails to consider the complex socio-economic factors at play. Overweight individuals have likely tried various diets and exercise regimes without success, leading to frustration and despair. Food Addiction and Societal Attitudes Junk food is addictive, designed to be consumed in large quantities. People who can't afford "good" food are forced to consume addictive, unhealthy options. Food banks often provide canned goods and cereals, which, while helpful, are not the most nutritious choices. The government and food industry need to re-evaluate food processing standards to reduce harmful additives. Until this happens, we will continue to see an increase in obesity and related health issues. A Call for Compassion and Understanding When you encounter someone who is overweight, remember that they might be struggling with more than just their weight. They could be dealing with financial stress, food insecurity, and health issues. Instead of judgment, offer support and compassion. We don't have all the answers to this complex problem. But what we can do is show love and respect to those facing these challenges. Recognize that they have likely tried everything to lose weight and improve their health. The term "fat shaming" is not helpful; it only adds to the stress and shame they already feel. the issue of being fat and starving is a modern dilemma rooted in economic, social, and health factors. The food industry prioritizes profit over health, leading to the prevalence of addictive, unhealthy food. The cost of nutritious food is prohibitive for many, contributing to widespread obesity despite food insecurity. We need to approach this issue with compassion and understanding, recognizing the complex challenges faced by those who are overweight. Only by addressing the root causes and making healthy food more accessible can we hope to resolve this paradox and improve public health.

Don't Approach 'What You're Worth' From a Sense of Entitlement

By Nick Kossovan More than ever, job seekers, with a sense of entitlement, are hyper-focusing on getting paid what they're worth. Job seekers seldom consider, let alone quantify, the value of their work, which determines their worth. Hence, a candidate's or position's worth is calculable and, therefore, isn't as subjective as is often assumed. INTERVIEWER: "What salary are you looking for?" JOB SEEKER: "$75,000 per year." INTERVIEWER: "What warrants you getting $75,000?" (The interviewer wants the candidate to quantify their value to justify a salary of $75,000.) Job seekers tend to calculate their worth based on their experience, skills, education, work history, and living expenses. The job seeker's sense of entitlement—"I deserve a high income because life is expensive."—blurs the distinction between how they perceive their worth and the value of their work. Employers care little about your experience, skills, education, or financial needs. Their primary interest is in the results you can produce, which determines your value and, subsequently, how much you're worth paying. Few job seekers quantify the impact they can have, if hired, on an employer's business. Most job seekers don't include quantifiable numbers (read: results achieved) on their resumes or LinkedIn profiles, which would encourage employers to want to meet them. Conversely, job seekers are comfortable conjuring up compensation figures based on what they feel entitled to. Several years ago, I worked for a financial services company. One Friday afternoon, I met a colleague in the cafeteria. All week, he'd been interviewing candidates for a workforce manager position. I asked how the interviews had gone. As he opened his can of Dr Pepper, he sighed. "My last interview, as well as several throughout the week... let's just say we didn't create their lifestyle, yet they feel we should be responsible for it. I was constantly bombarded with questions asking about our benefits and compensation package. Of the eight candidates I interviewed, only two focused on what they could offer rather than what we could offer them." Employers didn't create your lifestyle, so why do you expect them to support it? A company's success depends on profitability and efficiency, which means keeping expenses in check. For most companies, payroll is the biggest expense; therefore, every employee needs to pull their weight by delivering an ROI that justifies their salary, as well as answering the question: How does [employee] help the company reduce costs or increase revenue? Companies don't hire the most qualified candidates. They hire the candidates they believe will deliver the most value; hence, as a job seeker, instead of focusing on your qualifications, focus on the value you're able to offer an employer. Once, an interviewer asked me, "What salary are you looking for, and what will the company get in return?" I was impressed that my interviewer asked me what they were thinking without sugarcoating it. I now include this question in my interview questions. Several times, I've agreed to pay a candidate's salary request based on their answer. Your competition, many of whom are younger, hungrier, and equally qualified as you, also plays a significant role in determining your worth. Additionally, easy access to overseas labour, robotics, self-serve technology, artificial intelligence, freelancers, and third-party vendors are influencers on the fundamental determinant of wages: supply and demand. The law of demand in labour markets works like this: An increase in wages or salaries reduces the demand for labour. Conversely, a lower salary or wage increases the demand for labour. Ironically, higher wages increase supply because more people want to work for a higher wage, resulting in a more competitive job market. This is why highly sought-after jobs—jobs with a reputable and stable company that pays well and provides good benefits—are more challenging to land than a job with, for example, a small family business. Despite all the "legalities" quasi-imposed on employers, employers hire candidates at their discretion. Employers owe you and me nothing. A job seeker's goal is to get hired based on their own merits and, therefore, solely responsible for proving to an employer how they'll add value (measurable results) to their company. A job seeker who presents a cost-benefit analysis business case—hiring is a business transaction—explaining the value the employer would gain by hiring them will set them apart from their competition. Being given a job isn't an absolute right; it's an earned privilege. (Before getting into the debate over "privileges," remember you, like everyone else, have earned and unearned privileges.) I'd never argue that any one person is worth more than another. My contention is that the value of an employee's work, and therefore its worth, varies, sometimes significantly, between employees. There's no denying that employees who go the extra mile, produce above the minimum expectations, positively influence their colleagues and are team players add more value to their employer than those who do the minimum. (aka, quiet quitting) Only after you've established what measurable value you can bring to an employer can you begin discussing your compensation. Job hunting isn't the place for any sense of entitlement; you must demonstrate your value to an employer—prove your worth. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

$127,000 DOWNTOWN ART

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. I pay and paid my share of taxes. Even though hefty. I always was in thought that the money was going towards a good cause. Year after year passes and it appears that the quality of life in Oshawa keeps deteriorating. Look at the downtown. Homeless people sleeping in door ways. Drugs and guns widely available. Businesses closing... do we have council representation? Who are these characters that see people suffering and they do nothing. But wait. The release by the city this week below... states that in someone's warped mind. We the people of Oshawa should waste $145,000 dollars on some artwork. Like really. Who is doing the thinking here. PEOPLE... PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING ON THE STREET. The release read: The City of Oshawa invites residents and business owners to a public art Open House at the Arts Resource Centre. During the Open House, community members will have the opportunity to learn more about and provide input on a new public artwork that is being commissioned for the Downtown Oshawa Urban Square. (URBAN SQUARE!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME). The Urban Square and its artwork reflect the City’s commitment and desire to connect and engage with the community, as well as transform the spaces where we live, work, learn and play into vibrant, inviting and meaningful public spaces. (ARE THEY ON DRUGS... CONNECT AND ENGAGE!!! ARE WE ALL TALKING ABOUT THE SAME DOWNTOWN.... PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING ON THE STREET...)This project marks the City’s first independent sculpture commission, signifying a significant step toward enhancing the creative fabric of the downtown. The budget for the artwork, including artist fees, engineering, materials and installation is $145,000. Are you kidding me.... Rick Kerr and Derek Giberson, City downtown councillor should resign in shame. You know what you can do with $145,000 to help the homeless and the many downtown people suffering. No, instead these two idiots want to create a ‘urban square’. That is like putting lip-stick on a pig. It is easy for the two idiots to waste our tax dollar.... and you wonder why then they turn around and keep raising our taxes. BAD DECISIONS BY INCOMPETENTS

Unpleasant Truths

from Wayne & Tamara My in-laws have continually treated me as a second-class person with respect to my husband, their son. My husband and I both have PhDs., and we both are on the faculty at a research university. He is older, but I am a professor with a career and a purpose, also. I work full-time, cook every meal, clean our home, and I take impeccable care of myself because my husband deserves a fit, happy wife. Still, from his parents, I am not as worthy as their son. I receive Christmas cards addressed to Dr. and Mrs. instead of Drs, and when I speak about a topic on which I am an authority, they pretend not to hear me. They wait and ask the same information of my husband, who they immediately believe. If the conversation is not about how wonderful their son is, they have nothing to say. I am happy to brag on my spouse all day long, but the inequity of treatment hurts after seven years of marriage. As a result, when I see them, I am angry and resentful, overly loud and dogmatic, because I feel stepped on and undervalued. I am constantly mistaken on campus for a secretary (I am very young), and I handle that diplomatically and pleasantly, but these people know better. Gabrielle Gabrielle, when we are young, we learn where babies come from. This knowledge is called "the facts of life." As we grow older, we learn other facts of life, and sometimes these facts are unpleasant. The unpleasant fact you are facing is your in-laws' attitude. He is their son, and you are nothing to them. If you have children, they will be his children and their grandchildren. That is their attitude. You want a reasoned, kind way of changing their attitude, but you have been trying for years with no success. Why not accept your in-laws and recognize them for who they are? Each Christmas card is not a slap at you, it is simply mamma writing to her son. You don't have the ability to change who they are by your desire. Wayne & Tamara Self-Portrait I love my fiancé with all my heart and spirit, but I am receiving mixed signals from my future mother-in-law. First, I want to say I never planned on marriage, and I don't want children because I am selfish. I will not be a good little housewife and cater to my man's every need, but I will love him the best and only way I know how. My fiancé tells me his parents only want what will make us happy, and they want to see me at their house every week or two. But when my man is not around, his mother says things like, "You should give up being an artist and do nursing for the benefits." Or she says, "I was a housewife and will soon retire. I need someone else to cook big dinners for the holidays." She got me to stay for Easter, though I told them I did not want to. I even helped her cook dinner because she gave me this look that made me shrink inside. Now I don't want to hurt her, but I need to let her know who I am. What should I do? Caroline Caroline, for some reason good people have gotten it into their heads that they are not allowed to say the word ‘no.’ When you let your fiancé's mother have her way, you are lying to her about who you are. When you stand up to her, you are telling her the truth. Some people will balk and say you should give in to your future mother-in-law, but you cannot sustain that for the next 25 years. You are who you are, and when you let false politeness dictate your actions, you diminish who you are. 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.

A Too Uncommon Theory of Medicine

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Are your health care providers trained in integrative medicine? It’s not an area of medical specialization, like gynaecology or gastroenterology. Think of it as a theory of medicine. Doctors practicing integrative medicine respect the roles of prescription drugs and surgery when the situation calls for these treatments. But they also study and embrace the potential for natural remedies, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and traditional practices in both health promotion and disease treatment. Hippocrates, born in 460 BC, was the most influential philosopher of integrative medicine. He believed the human body should be treated as a whole, not as the sum of its parts. Benedict Lust, born in 1872 in Baden, Germany, is regarded as the “Father of Naturopathy”, a form of alternative medicine whose legitimate members promote evidence-based natural remedies. Then there is Linus Pauling. Through his research, he advanced the prevention and treatment of disease by studying how the body benefits from optimized amounts of substances which are natural to the body. Pauling was a molecular biologist. His practice of orthomolecular medicine acknowledges the body’s biochemical pathways and genetic variabilities that interact with diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and brain-related conditions. Dr. Andrew Saul was the founder of the Orthomolecular Medical News Service, and with his death earlier this year, we lost one of the world’s foremost advocates for evidence-based natural therapies. He made it his life’s work to pass on a wealth of knowledge, including the message that natural remedies never killed anyone. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs can’t make that claim. Saul practiced what he preached. His home included a garden full of vegetables, and he stressed that for a few dollars it would produce thousands of dollars of fresh produce for his family. Saul’s news service shares research papers from esteemed scientists from around the world. But it’s the simple messages that stick, and his reminders about the importance of vitamins are worthy of note. Take the 80-year-old tennis player who had to stop playing his favourite game due to severe leg cramps. He wasn’t getting oxygenated blood to his leg muscles. After taking natural vitamin E, he was back on the court. Vitamin E increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This is the other reason E can stop anginal heart pain. Saul chastised dermatologists for telling patients to keep out of the sun and to use sun block. He championed the need for 3,000 to 5,000 units of vitamin D daily to decrease the risk of multiple sclerosis and maintain our sense of balance as we age. What irritated Saul the most? It was the failure of doctors to accept that vitamin C carries out so many vital health functions, and that it fights the number one killer, heart disease. He pointed to medical studies showing its effectiveness in fighting viral diseases such as pneumonia, hepatitis, meningitis, polio and even the lethal bite of a rattlesnake. He repeated over and over that no one had ever died from an overdose of vitamin C. If you take more than you body can use, it is excreted in the urine. Another fact he underscored was that the dose is so important – the greater the degree of infection the greater amounts of C needed to cure it. Saul reported that in patients desperately ill with infection, in the process of dying, one decision could save them – that is, huge doses of vitamin C, such as 300,000 milligrams administered intravenously. His final advice? Hospitals are the locus of death. So stay away, or get out of them quickly. 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

Meeting Trump JR

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor The other day, I attended an event where I came face to face with none other than Donald Trump Jr. Yes, Trump's right-hand man. He seemed like just another man, yet he had style and poise. His charismatic attitude resembled that of John F. Kennedy—very relaxed and very sure of himself. A true Trump. As I stood before him, I understood why lesser men might resent him and look for fault and shame. He truly is a chip off the old block. I can understand why men like that are successful, yet persecuted and constantly attacked by envious and lesser types. Men like his father, who stand for what is right, not for what benefits them personally. Sure, Trump Sr. has his battle scars and has made mistakes, but these experiences make him a political powerhouse today. Trump knows the game; he knows how and where the loops are played. He is a renegade who does not play by the rules. Now in power, he exposes the corruption in democracy, the lies, and deceit—something that Democrats hate. I can understand the feeling of persecution by those who are supposed to be assisting and helping the betterment of all taxpayers. I am in no way near the level of play of either Trump Jr. or Trump Sr. These men lived lives of social privilege and saw corruption at work. As a first-time councillor, I am getting a bitter taste of the political game. I entered this profession with a clear and clean heart. I wanted to serve and achieve better for my community. I did not enter to just collect my pay, as some elected officials do. I did not seek office because I had no other employment offers. In today’s municipal government, many in it should resign. For them, the money is nothing but a pension fluff. For others, where else would they get paid for the job they are entrusted to do? They form groups of incompetence and denounce anyone actually working for the betterment of the general taxpayer. Look at our Mayor of Pickering. In my opinion, he constantly attacks me for speaking on behalf of you, the taxpayers of Pickering. My pay was cut for three months for speaking my mind, with no real chance to defend myself. Council meeting after council meeting, our Mayor has belittled me and called many of you names over public recordings. What makes this Mayor so insecure? Could it be because I am a woman? In his misogynist way, he has used every municipal resource to silence me, even passing by-laws on conduct that verge on violating Human Rights and Freedom of Speech. Who is this man that can verbally abuse a woman like this during a public meeting? I write a column or make an open statement and am not allowed to defend myself. I am then put before a biased ‘integrity commissioner’ who, in my opinion, has no integrity. Councillors should also have no right to remove another member's salary for representing constituents with dissenting voices. The ability to speak freely and represent all viewpoints is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Removing a councillor's salary as a punitive measure undermines this principle, effectively silencing dissent and discouraging the representation of minority or unpopular opinions. This kind of punitive action can create a chilling effect, where councillors fear advocating for their constituents if those views do not align with the majority. I wish Trump Jr. would come to Pickering and give a two-minute speech on democracy and what it takes to be a good political icon. What am I saying? The Mayor would do as he has done in the past with important delegations: snub his nose and instruct staff to shelf it. Look at what is happening with the way the City sends out information. They pass one by-law after another to avoid doing business with this newspaper. Why? The newspaper has been serving all of Durham for the past 29 years. Metroland closed, and the only in-print newspaper is this one. Why has the city not jumped all over this opportunity? You guessed it. Because, like other newspapers, The Central makes the opportunity of writing in the paper available to all elected officials. Since I take advantage of this generous offer to the community, The Central is blackballed. Instead, the City has chosen to publish online. This is a huge mistake, as it is proving to be a failure. Many in the City of Pickering do not use online resources or visit our overly complicated web page. People want to have the news delivered to them, in their hands, to read when they want. I wonder what Trump would think of blackballing people. I am sure he would say something like, “If you think you are on the right track, don’t let anyone derail you.” "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"