Poor Sleep Can Lead to Inflammatory Problems

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones An old Irish proverb says, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” But research suggests it would be wiser to think of good sleep as an ingredient of wellbeing – a starting point for health, not a fixer-upper. Sleep is an essential building block of good health, along with quality nutrition, moderate exercise, socioeconomic connectivity, mindfulness, and ample good luck. Guidelines recommend “7 to 9 hours of good-quality sleep for adults aged 18 to 64, on a regular basis, with consistent sleep and wake times for health benefits.” For adults aged 65 and older, a slightly modified “7 to 8 hours of sleep” is advised. But sleep is too often neglected – insufficient in both quantity and quality. According to a global sleep survey, 62% of adults worldwide feel they don’t sleep well when they go to bed. Surveys show that North Americans, on average, sleep just under 7 hours a night. Some are getting more – and good for them. Some are getting less – with serious consequences. Poor quality sleep has harmful implications for insomniacs. The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports, “Sleep deficiency is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and depression.” But drowsy people have negative implications for other people too. Lack of sleep is a major factor in deadly car accidents and other transportation tragedies. Both the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster and the Exxon Valdez oil spill involved workers affected by sleep deprivation. Although people commonly try to “catch up” on sleep during the weekend, studies have found this to be a losing strategy. For one thing, less weekday sleep equates to later nights, awake and snacking, which leads to weight gain and involves challenges in managing diabetes, for example. It may be disappointing to learn more bad news. Research now shows that even long periods of sufficient sleep don’t make up for sleep deficits. Not getting good sleep? The damage is done. Scientists are starting to unpack exactly what kind of problems develop from lack of good sleep. One study founds that consistently losing an hour and a half of sleep a night can increase the risk of inflammatory disorders and cardiovascular disease. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, showed that sleep disruptions in both humans and mice led to the same loss in the protective effects of their immune systems “actually making infections worse”. In effect, poor sleep causes trouble in blood cell production, leading to overproduction of white blood cells that normally fight infections, but the overabundance instead results in inflammation. Another study involving more than 7,000 men and women at the ages of 50, 60 and 70, found that people at age 50 getting five hours of sleep or less were “20% more likely to have been diagnosed with a chronic disease and 40% more likely to be diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases over 25 years, compared to people who slept for up to seven hours.” Those are big differences! Those two more hours of sleep gives the body enough time to complete one full sleep cycle, allowing brain and body to recuperate and immune systems to function effectively. What are some tips for healthy sleep? Get natural daylight exposure. Limit alcohol before bed. Eliminate noise and light disruptions. And at bedtime, allow into the mind those things that sooth the soul. These days, that means turning off the evening news and turning instead to a good book. 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

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE RECENT RECOUNT

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. I have a question of concern over the recent municipal elections. Am I to believe that the people of Oshawa are happy with the quality of life in Oshawa? With the open use of drugs on our streets. With people living on our streets. With the increase in petty crime? Just recently a recount took place in ward 1. The original count was Theresa Ann Corless 1,094. Rosemary McConkey (incumbent) 1,107. Ahmad Rashed Formuly 208. The recount numbers came back Theresa Ann Corless 1,093. Rosemary McConkey 1,101 and Ahmad Rashed Formuly 208. First point of concern. How is it that Corless lost one vote. Rosemary 6 and Formuly stayed at 208? Does it not sound like something is wrong in Oshawa. Formuly the same. The other two lost votes. Out of the 11 positions on council. Only one was changed. Could it be that the 18% that turned out are the same 20% minus death of those voting? Where did the other 82% go to vote. Well obviously they did not vote. This is not only not good for Oshawa but for democracy. Think about it. 82% surrendered their voice. They voided their opportunity to be heard. We as a society can we be so docile. So uncaring? So unaware of the danger of our inactions? We the modern people of society are doomed to be lead without voice. They talk about the ‘BIG RESET’. We by our own action or in this case inaction are becoming a number in a global bingo game. We are not a person. But a number that may be manipulated and controlled. By our actions we surrendered our individuality and our voice. This compounded with the sea of misinformation and high tech tabulation of studies, polls and elections. We as a people, as a civilization are an easy picking for a new world order to take over and control our every aspect of life. In all past civilization the more the general population feared the state. The more power. Fear has many faces. In the past fear was brought about out of ignorance. The church promoted scripture in order to entice compliance to church and state norms and laws. The more sophisticated the society became the elaborate the schemes of enticing fear have become. It seems we are in conflict at all times. War on drugs, sex, and so on. In today’s world. We are confused by the overwhelming amount of data that we must process. Our minds become polluted and easily manipulated to believe things and ideologies that we truly do not understand. Our fear mongering to compliance comes as the applications that drive such machines base their premise on basic instinct of survival. It not any more a foreign enemy or a God. Instead it is about self preservation. Take the shot and save lives. Wear a mask and stop the transmission, cut risk. It appears it never ends. Viruses keep jumping at us in order for us to comply. Locally this past week with this re-count has shown that the manipulation is bigger and stronger than that of which we can control.

The Canadian puppet show

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As there is nothing more important to do for the nation, a show is being put on in the usually dull capital city of Ottawa. The actors are many and the audience is the nation. It takes the form of another taxpayer funded commission of inquiry, this time, into the invocation of the Emergency Act, in response to the truckers' Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa. The Public Order Emergency Commission is in its sixth and final week of public hearings, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expected to testify on the last day of the proceedings. A final report is expected to be delivered to Parliament by early next year. The cover up is astonishing, with different definitions of 'threat to national security' emanating from the Canadian Security Agency Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Justice Department. Earlier this week, the commission heard that while CSIS Director David Vigneault didn't believe the self-styled Freedom Convoy constituted a threat to national security as defined by the CSIS Act, he did support invoking the Emergencies Act. He testified that he sought a legal interpretation from the Department of Justice and that it was his understanding that the Emergencies Act definition of a "threat to the security of Canada" was broader than the one in the CSIS Act. Do you find this interesting, or even reassuring, that the nation is well protected? At his end, the Canadian Constitution Foundation lawyer Sujit Choudhry argued, that the solicitor-client privilege shielding on the legal opinion should be lifted. "In fairness to the commission's process, the federal government should waive solicitor-client privilege and publicly release this opinion," he said in a media statement last week. A spokesperson for the Justice Minister David Lametti told CBC that the principle of solicitor-client secrecy is vital to the judicial system and the minister doesn't have the authority to waive it in this case. How nice! Is this how justice is being served? "Minister Lametti is committed to transparency and assisting the inquiry led by Commissioner Justice Rouleau in their work," the spokesperson said in an email. "[But] he is unable to speak on matters that are covered by solicitor-client privilege without violating his obligations to the government as his client and affecting ongoing legal proceedings." It seems the Minister is both client and solicitor, but the show goes on. The legal interpretation of the Emergencies Act has become a key point as the commission works to determine whether the federal government was justified in invoking the law. Under the Emergencies Act, the federal cabinet must have reasonable grounds to believe a public order emergency exists - which the act defines as one that "arises from threats to the security of Canada that are so serious as to be a national emergency." For the record: CSIS's definition : Service?means the Canadian Security Intelligence Service established by subsection 3(1);?(Service) Threats to the security of Canada?means (a) espionage or sabotage that is against Canada or is detrimental to the interests of Canada or activities directed toward or in support of such espionage or sabotage, (b) foreign influenced activities within or relating to Canada that are detrimental to the interests of Canada and are clandestine or deceptive or involve a threat to any person, (c) activities within or relating to Canada directed toward or in support of the threat or use of acts of serious violence against persons or property for the purpose of achieving a political, religious or ideological objective within Canada or a foreign state, and (d) activities directed toward undermining by covert unlawful acts, or directed toward or intended ultimately to lead to the destruction or overthrow by violence of, the constitutionally established system of government in Canada, but does not include lawful advocacy, protest or dissent, unless carried on in conjunction with any of the activities referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).?(menaces envers la sécurité du Canada) The act then points back to such a threat - which cites serious violence against people or property "for the purpose of achieving a political, religious or ideological objective," espionage, foreign interference or the intent to overthrow the government by violence, which, let's be serious, is difficult to point to in the convoy protest, especially in Ottawa. It is true that citizens of Ottawa might have been disturbed, but hey, this is the Capital of Canada for the moment, and people have the right to protest. By the way, with the woke culture in vogue in Canada, perhaps the time has come to move the Capital of Canada to a more suitable location in the centre of the nation. Such moves have been accomplished in other nations, such as Australia and Brazil. Do not forget that Ottawa was established as the Capital of Canada by Queen Victoria. As she has become less popular in some strata of the population lately, witness the toppling of her statue in front of the Winnipeg legislature without judicial consequence for the perpetrators, this move might prove popular, at least with the Liberal Party. Beside the Minister of Justice, let's look at the less than brainy performance of the Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair. This is the same Bill Blair who, as Chief of Police in Toronto, made a mess in the city during the G20 summit. His record shows his inability to deal with protests, even less demanding ones. But the crowning glory of incompetence, awarded for his arrogant and contradictory actions and statements regarding the protest in Ottawa, belongs to the Public Safety Minister, Marco Mendicino. He received intelligence from both the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP, that there was no serious threat to Canada from a badly organized protest that offered no tangible plots of violence nor had any ideologically motivated violent extremist groups in attendance. Instead of acting on that intelligence, he pursued his own feelings, like a Moses on the Holly Mountain. At one point, commission counsel asked what prompted his concerns that the protest could spiral and overwhelm police services across the country. "It came from observation," he said, a classic example of marshalling evidence to confirm predetermined convictions and dismissing evidence that contradicts them. Considered a seasoned and competent lawyer, the legal profession must be proud of Mendicino's specious justification for his actions - that CSIS's mandate is confined to espionage and foreign interference threats, not an illegal, national protest. What a unique interpretation. Well done. No wonder he is famous for his arrogance in action and inaction. This is the man in Canadian government, who stated, among many other pompous and misleading declarations, that a NATO allied nation is guilty of genocide. So the puppet show goes on, and we wait for the chief puppeteer to close it. Yours to watch and rate the show.

Steps I Would Take if I Were Beginning a Job Search

By Nick Kossovan M. DeFalco of Winnipeg, MB, emailed me this question: How would you start searching for a job today? Many factors influence a job search, such as the job seeker's age, location, profession, level of experience, digital footprint, expected starting salary, and if they cultivated a professional network. In addition, there's the ongoing carnage in the job market, especially in the tech sector, and an economy rapidly heading south. Nowadays, the job market is hostile, which job seekers must tame. If you had asked me when I was in my 20s what my dream job looked like, I'd have answered: - A well-known company, preferably a household name (e.g., GE, Bell, GM, Ontario Hydro). - A title that bolsters my professional image and resume. - High pay, with plenty of benefits and perks. - A wide range of internal career paths I could pursue. - the opportunity to work on creative projects. - Gaining career-advancing experience. If you ask me now: - Company stability, both financially and in terms of industry. - Believing in the company's mission. - Alignment of the company's values with my own. - A harmonious working relationship with my boss and coworkers. - Having a direct, measurable, and visible impact on the company's success. - Having autonomy. If I were starting a job search tomorrow, the four steps I'd take are: Step 1: Make an announcement. My first step would be to heed the adage: A closed mouth doesn't get fed. I'd inform, via phone calls, everyone I know-family, friends, my entire professional network-that I'm looking for a new job. I wouldn't simply say, "I'm looking for a job." I'd specify the type of job I'm seeking (industry, title, location). For example, "Unfortunately, I was part of Ponsonbys downsizing, which you may have heard about in the news. I'm now seeking a digital marketing position with a mid-size fashion house, ideally based in mid-Toronto." The more people are aware of my situation, the greater the likelihood of opportunities being presented to me. In addition to my announcement, I'd activate LinkedIn's 'Open To Work' feature. Activating this feature will display a green banner (#OPENTOWORK) on my profile picture, indicating that I'm interested in new employment opportunities. Step 2: List the benefits of hiring me. Today businesses are focused on keeping their workforce pared down to business-critical functions only. Having overhired and an expected recession are the reasons for most of the layoffs and hiring freezes so far this year, which I believe will continue throughout next year. Companies are cutting jobs that are distracting from the company's profitability. Keeping in mind today's businesses have a lean mentality, I'd list all the benefits of hiring me. In other words, what would an employer gain by hiring me? - My extensive industry experience, including being well-connected within my industry and profession? - My expertise as a subject matter expert (SME) in a particular area of my profession? - My having a proven and measurable track record? - My being bilingual? I'd list all my skills (hard and soft) along with my experience using my skills, which is worth paying for. Step 3: Update my LinkedIn profile and resume. Employers hire for results. Therefore, I'd edit, where necessary, my LinkedIn profile to be results-oriented. Instead of using non-quantifiable statements that seem like opinions, I want my profile to be filled with quantifiable sentences-sentences with numbers that quantify. Using quantifiable sentences will make my work structure, productivity, and results tangible. - Unquantified: Improved staff performance across all divisions, resulting in increased profits. - Quantified: Led a staff of 20 employees with innovative policies that yielded a 27% increase in profits over the previous year. - Unquantified: Answered calls. - Quantified: Handled 80-100 inbound customer calls per day. I'd reflect on my past 10 years and ask myself where and how I: - Increased revenue, profit, or generated sales. (The more you can speak to this, the better.) - Increased (or reduced) X by Y%. - Saved time. - Improved a process, thus saving money and/or time. I'd also think about what accuracy I've achieved, the quantity of work I did and the amount I processed. Very few job-related tasks can't be quantified in some way. Once my LinkedIn profile reads as I want it to, including having filled out all the sections (e.g., education, licenses & certifications, skills, languages, volunteer experience), I'd update my resume, so it too was result oriented. NOTE: Studies have shown that complete and optimized profiles increase the likelihood of being found and receiving opportunities by 40 times. Step 4: Lastly, before officially kicking off my job search, which'll mostly involve my reaching out to hiring managers and recruiters to tap into the hidden job market, I'd reflect on what I want my next job and employer to look like and, most importantly, where I see myself fitting in. As I've mentioned in previous columns, making finding where you belong a priority is the best compass a job seeker can use. Therefore, my job search won't be the traditional "I'm looking for a job." Instead, I'll be looking for where I'll be accepted. Hence, I won't be looking for a job; I'll be looking for my tribe." -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

Do we have a government?

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. I guess for Canada the ‘’GREAT RESET”, has begun. Can anyone please explain this to me. How is it that we the people are being openly raped at the grocery stores and our government does nothing about it. Come on folks. This blaming it on COVID does not cut it. This blaming it on the economy has been played before. How can anyone rationalize the cost of a head of iceberg lettuce to go from 99 cents to 5.99. Banks are recording profits. Insurance companies laying low on the profit radar but still making billions. Oil companies never had it better. Could this be the beginning of the new world order. Oh wait, then we have Justin running around fighting foreign wars giving out billions of dollars. REEEEEALLLLLLY - Canadian are going to bed with no food due to prices. Canadians are loosing their homes due foreclosures. Canadians can’t get a decent job to pay for the out of control house prices. And Justin is giving billions to a foreign nation so they don’t suffer the perils of war. You got to be kidding me. How about taking care of your own people first Justin. How about investing those billions back in Canada. We the people are living on the street. We the people are living day to day with fear of not being able to supply for family. But wait. I forgot. We the Canadian people through our own ignorance have become nothing more than a number in a huge bingo ball drum. A number that means nothing as long as that big drum keeps going around and around pushed by empty promises and the facade of Canada is doing great. We the people have been force to comply. We the people are being condition to accept. Look at the recent transit strike. What a joke. Oh the picketers only picket in controlled areas. Picketers are bound by law and social norm. Picketers are not on strike. They are puppets in a corporate play, string pulled by the union and the employee. It disgusts me on how this great nation is being raped and pilladged from within. The trojan horse is eating away at all aspects of Canadian quality of life. We have no culture, no h istory, no standards. We are being forced to accept under the guise of democracy. A political system that has proven to not be led by a majority. But instead by a majority made up of a very organized minority. I feel for our youth. I feel for the future of this great nation. Politically in Canada we are bankrupt. It is not about democracy and the people’s choice or voice. It is about who ever is in public filling their pockets as much as they can in order to retire a millionaire... or billionaire. All 3 major political parties are one of the same. No matter who is in power. We the people suffer. We the people pay the ultimate price. We should maybe stop worrying about the environment so much and worry about those living. Those in need and those suffering. Where are our priorities. We are nothing but blind sheep to the slaughter. BINGO - Your number is up. You just lost your house, you family.

Health Canada needs to be reformed

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Health care in Canada is in shambles. The problems range from incompetent administration at the provincial level, to disarray at the federal level in providing the necessary support and supply that ensures the basic means of providing health services to Canadians. Our health care system has reached dramatic lows. In a country that claims to provide the best environment for raising a family, how can we justify or even explain the mess surrounding the supply of vaccines during the Covid 19 pandemic, or the today lack of medicines for children so prevalent today? Children's cold and flu medications remain hard to find on pharmacy shelves, at a time when families are in need of them most, as we enter flu season. The question is: Are we on the brink of becoming a third world country? In August, Health Canada confirmed a shortage of children's pain relief medications across the country. The scant supply of medications, including liquid Children's Tylenol and chewable acetaminophen tablets, has been attributed to a combination of supply chain issues, and heightened consumer demands due to what drug makers have called an "unprecedented" Canadian cold and flu season. If these stories sound familiar, it is because we were fed similar stories about the Covid-19 vaccine shortage. In addition, it now seems that amoxicillin, a first-line antibiotic used to treat many common bacterial infections, is also in short supply. Let us review the latest November developments. Health Canada said last week that a foreign supply of children's pain and fever medication should land on Canadian retail shelves in the coming weeks. Let's hope they meant, before the new year! The agency, which had previously announced it was importing acetaminophen and ibuprofen to be distributed to hospitals, said the new retail supply should help families struggling to treat their sick children. The move follows a months-long shortage of Tylenol, Advil and alternative brands that has sent many parents and caregivers scouring bare shelves and swapping tips on drug sightings. No wonder hospital emergency rooms have become overwhelmed. But never mind, there is always someone else to blame for shortcomings. This seems to have become the rule of the day in Canada, a sad reminder for me, of the old communist days in Romania. The shortage of medicines, the agency said, was fuelled by a triple threat of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, a common fall and winter illness in children known as RSV. This illness emerged in late summer, earlier than expected, and continues to slam hospitals. Has Heath Canada learned nothing from the recent pandemic vaccines shortages? While the government has said, based on the advice of the public servants in charge, that a new supply of acetaminophen is coming, it did not say how much or where it's being imported from. The agency only noted that the medicines will meet all of Canada's standards. Let us hope it won't be like they 'met Canadian standards' in the case of Covid vaccines, with expired vaccines being deemed OK, and a month after the expiration date they were being administered. "All information related to cautions and warnings, dosing directions, ingredients, and other important details will be made available in both English and French to ensure parents and caregivers clearly understand what medication they are using and how to give to their children," Health Canada said. "This work is being done in parallel to obtaining the additional foreign supply." How nice! Note the emphasis on the language issue before the product is available. What does that say about the origin of the product? Why isn't it being manufactured here? The agency is asking consumers to purchase only what they need, to ensure other parents and caregivers have access to the medicine. A typical communist approach to cover their own shortcomings. I ask again: What were they doing to arrive in this situation? They are paid from taxpayer's money to assure the best health care for Canadians, especially for our children. The agency is saying now that the foreign ibuprofen bound for hospitals has already been imported and is being distributed. This raises the question of why we do not have a Canadian pharmaceutical company manufacturing it. As we saw during the Covid-19 vaccine crisis, Canada does not seem to have any strategy for dealing with essential medical shortages or being prepared to cope with a health crisis. In my opinion, the current situation is due to the combined incompetence of elected officials and public service personnel in decision-making related to health care issues. What do you think?

Impress Your Interviewer with Your Questions - Part 2

By Nick Kossovan This column is the second of a 2-part series on asking your interviewer questions that'll impress them, thus setting you apart from your competition. In my last column, I advised job seekers to ask their interviewer my favourite question, How will you manage me? This question allows me to gauge whether I'd be comfortable working under a potential boss' management style. Here are a few more questions I ask to help me determine whether the job, my potential boss, the company, and its culture are a good fit. - What keeps you up at night? As I mentioned in the previous column (Part 1), a job search is a sales process. Hence, an interview is a sales meeting. Selling Principle 101: People buy solutions. Thus, companies don't hire employees; they hire solutions. "People don't want to buy a quarter-inch drill. They want a quarter-inch hole!" - Professor Theodore Levitt By asking your potential boss what keeps them up at night, you create the opportunity to sell yourself as "the solution," which you can only do if you know the problems (READ: pain) your interviewer/the company is facing. The key to being different-impressive-is to focus on the pain(s) your potential future boss is facing rather than just promoting yourself, which is what most job seekers do. "It's as if the job description was written specifically with me in mind. I have the six years of programming experience you're looking for, experience completing projects under tight deadlines, which my previous boss will attest to. Given my background and skill set, I'm confident I'd consistently meet your project deadlines within budget, which you've said hasn't been happening for several years." Sell yourself as the quarter-inch drill. - What will my first 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days look like? You want to be sure your new employer will set you up for success. Therefore, you want to know the following: - Will there be any formal training? - Will you be buddied up for the first few months? - Are you expected to hit the ground running from day one? - Would you be inheriting neglected projects or clients? - Will there be formal reviews to gauge your progress? If you like what you hear, then great! "Thank you for outlining your onboarding process. It's clear you want to set up new employees for success. Besides what you outlined, are there any books, magazines, reports you recommend I read, or websites I should visit to enhance my learning curve further?" Some hard-learned advice: If you have a gut feeling you won't receive full support during your first six months, listen to your gut and move on. - In this role, how is success defined? Success and expectations differ widely from company to company. Now's the time to lay all cards on the table, especially regarding expectations. Consider whether you're capable and willing to meet those expectations. Honestly, assess yourself. Are you willing to make the sacrifices necessary to succeed at Gekko and Co.? If the answer is an unequivocal "Yes!" then say so. "This sounds like a challenge I'd like to take on. At Consolidated Insurance, I made no less than 45 cold calls daily, setting at least five appointments for our brokers. I don't see it being a problem to make the 35 to 40 cold calls you expect me to make." Think twice if you feel the expectations are unrealistic or beyond your current abilities. After "You're not a fit," failure to meet expectations is the most common reason for terminating a new hire. - What skills does the leadership team here value? Make your interviewer aware of matches between your skills and those valued by the company. "I'm glad you mentioned continuous learning is valued here at Globo-Chem. Currently, I'm pursuing my project management certification through evening classes at Hudson University." Here are additional questions you could ask your interviewer that'll impress them and help you decide whether the opportunity is right for you. - What are your pet peeves? - How will my performance be measured? - If you could have added one thing to the person who previously held this job, what would it be? - In my first year, what would I need to accomplish to prove to you hiring me was the right decision? - What are the characteristics or traits of your top people? - What new skills can I learn here? - How do you see this position evolving in the next three years? - What would you change about the company if you could? - What's the most frustrating part of working here? - What is holding the company back? - What's an example of a client challenge you have recently faced? - What is the question you wanted to ask me but didn't? When you ask questions to gain insight, not only do you impress your interviewer you also create opportunities to explain why you're the right candidate, a crucial aspect to getting hired-to making the sale. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

The Innocent Party

Ten years ago, I am ashamed to say, I had an affair with my husband's best friend. My husband and I stuck it out, and I am happy to say we are still together. The problem is this. A few months ago my husband went to this former friend's house to have a beer with some men from work. When I found out, I was very upset. After talking it over, my husband said he understood why I was upset and promised not to do it again. Tonight, on the way home from picking up our son at daycare, I drove past this friend's house. Who did I see sitting at the picnic bench in his yard? My husband, the former best friend, and another man. I am upset all over again. I told my husband I do not want this man in our lives, and that he is pouring salt in the wounds. He said he won't do it again, but that is what he said last time. I don't get it. Isn't this weird behavior on his part? I should mention about six years after the affair, this friend took it upon himself to "clear his conscience" and tell my husband. That is how my husband found out. However, his best friend did not feel compelled to tell his wife at the time about our liaison. Viveca Viveca, there is nothing weird about your husband's behavior. His best friend was forcibly expelled from his life. He wants things back as they were before. This man's presence reminds you of the affair, but his absence from your husband's life reminds your husband about the affair. You want to punish your former lover for telling, but paybacks don't work when you are the one in the wrong. It is your husband's choice. You are trying to turn the tables on him for the very thing you benefited from, staying in a relationship. Are you afraid the bond between the two men is stronger than your marriage? Two terms are being used loosely here. A "wife" doesn't sleep with her husband's friend, and a "friend" doesn't sleep with his best friend's wife. Wayne & Tamara Still In Love I am dating Bud, a 52-year-old widower. His wife, Bianca, dropped dead of a heart attack on the ski slopes 18 months ago. He told me psychologically he is ready to move on, but the house has been left exactly the same. Her clothes are still hanging in the closet, her perfumes and brushes still on the dresser, her sunglasses still on her desk. Pictures of them abound, and the urn with her ashes is somewhere in the house. I didn't ask where. I haven't said a word about any of this, but I think it is a little bit strange. Recently we went boating, and the inside of the boat is the same as the house. I met Bianca's best friend Ava. In 48 hours she mentioned Bianca at least ten times, and even asked Bud to bring out pictures of one of their last vacations together. I thought this insensitive and thoughtless on Ava's part. Am I overly sensitive? Is Bud still grieving? I am not sure I want to meet any more of Bud's friends if they are going to spend the entire time talking about a man's dead wife. I don't know what to say except that I have lost loved ones too. Laura Laura, if I lost Tamara the opening would not be there for another woman. Our lives are that tightly interwoven. Bud's house is a testament to his love. It may take years or decades for him to move on. Or Bud may never love another woman as he loved Bianca. The connection he lost was his alone. It is not for you to set a timetable for him or for his friends. Wayne Wayne & Tamara are also the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell, What Infidelity Does to the Victim, available from Amazon, Apple and most booksellers. Wayne & Tamara write: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com

The last frontier

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” The human mind. The last frontier. As they say. We are nothing but animals with the fortunate ability to communicate and socialize like no other animal. The animalistic fundamental roots are all the same across the animal kingdom. Fight or Flee is something we have enbedded as part of our DNA. The difference in humans is in the way we interact and live in a system of hypocritical beliefs that hamper our success in life. Constantly having us to deal with negativity and the enforced flee due to oppression and mental compromise. We are brought up from birth to be good. To do what is right. To be honest and up front. To not lie or cheat. To fear a God. To follow rules and norms and to not question but to follow the status quo. We go for the first 20 years of our lives living a code of ethics and morals that slowly ravels with the realities of living in a society that rewards unfairness.... that is governed by laws that oppress and prosecute the innocent. A system that is contradictory to all that we have been brought up thinking. The good become intertwined and used to rationalize bad and negative living. Charity becomes abused off the backs of good natured people that refuse to give up and or believe that society is hypocritical and unfair. Good people that live a dream in a nightmare world of constant struggle. The church once deemed the essence of hope today is compromised by alternative rationalization of events in biblical scripture that renders once the almighty holly book nothing more than just a book of wisdom but far from Godly essence. Modern day society is infected by mental health issues that in part have been self induced. The less we believe the less hope we have to cope and understand our environment. Governments are scrambling all over the world on how to deal with this epidemic of confusion and lack of control. This compounded by the new world of high tech internet broadcast and interchangeable opinion and information, the people are confused. Just about every political ‘Ism’ is under threat. The talk of a new world order seems to predominate conspiracy thinkers. The reality is that the world does need a new world oder. The question becomes by who? Democracy is proven to be a failure as the majority is made up of an outspoken radical minority. Communism, has had it’s challenges and oppressed. Then what is the answer? Maybe there is no answer? Maybe we are becoming that of what other civilization have to endure. Extinction

When in oshawa please don’t drink the water

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. When in Oshawa, please don’t drink the water. How else do you explain the recent municipal election results? Can there be that many stupid people in one city? The City is offered a golden opportunity to improve the quality of life for everyone and the people appear to be happy with people living on our streets. With people over dosing and dieying on our streets at an alarming rate. People are ok with our parks and ravines being turned into make shift home for the homeless. Or that our parks and ravines are not safe to go for a walk. It appears that people are ok with being harassed when visiting the core. Or that the quality of service keep going down while taxes keep going up. How do you justify the huge number of homes being built and the tax that they bring to expenditure, waste and relation to any tax increase? There is none. Tax increases are money that municipal officials use to grease palms. To solidify support during elections. How else do you explain the results? The status quo is acceptable? First only 18% actually cared enough to turn out and vote. This means that like in most global democracies. The majority is made up of a minority. A minority that has proven to lack any sense of knowledge of what is taking place in our city. Out of the 11 municipal positions in Oshawa. The people only changed 1. I blame the other 82% that did not even bother to turn out. It has to be the water... Please explain it to me. Could it be that the same people keep coming out every election? Think about it. Last election it was a 22% turn out. Are voters that care about democracy actually dieying? In the downtown core alone. The same two councillors win!!! Councillors that are directly responsible for the homeless and the poor safety/health condition of our core. We reward failure with another term and thank them by forking over taxpayers money for them to continue doing nothing positive for the core? People always wonder. Why is it that we do not have more professionals put their name forward during municipal elections. Well, these results make it obvious why. Why would anyone want to put their name forward when people do not vote on credentials. The vote on name recognition. Look at what took place in the Mayoral race. On the eleventh hour. A nobody, clerk looking to up her pay and job title puts her name forward as the vote by sex vote. She came second. A person with no real accomplishments. Limited education. No real business life experience. No real interest or understanding of the issues of the City. Did we not learn from voting Carter in... that the pity vote is not in our best interest? Don’t get me wrong. I am not bitter, but disapointed that society is failing and we are on course to self destruct. Look at the COVID situation. Were we ready for disaster? Socially we are heading towards dangerous times. Democracy led by a majority made up of minority is not democracy. Everyone is quick to complain about tax increase and the cost of living. Yet, no one is prepared to make the right changes to bring positive change. Please when in Oshawa. Don’t drink the water. Better safe than one of the 18%

Age Old Question

I am newly blind and very depressed over the guy situation. Since I've lost my sight, it's almost like males have disappeared too. I've always attracted men and enjoyed dating. I still laugh and flirt, and I'm very open to questions. I want people to be comfortable. I just turned 36 and feel old and ugly, like I'm no longer a person worthy of a relationship. I am careful not to let the outside world see this side of me. I know there is nothing more of a turnoff than a whiner. So, what do I do? Where do I meet men who aren't afraid of a woman who isn't "normal?" Darla Darla, there is no timetable or technique which guarantees you will find a man. Sighted or not, the wisest advice remains the same. Be fully engaged in life, follow what most deeply interests you, and fill your own well. Filling your own well is never a waste. At worst you will become a happier, more complete, more fulfilled person. Often when we stop chasing, things come because it is then time. There are people offering gimmicks to get someone. What they won't tell you is that it may get you someone, but not your someone. For a relationship to last, it must be your someone, not just anyone. The divorce rate confirms this. Live your life with gusto! If you allow yourself to be moved by what stirs you, a larger plan will unfold. It will seem right, even though it may be something you never imagined. Just because you are 36 and want a man, it doesn't mean today he will arrive. Men are not like Chinese takeout. Tamara The Same Boat Please excuse the untidiness of this letter. It is the first time I have put my life in writing. I read with great interest the story of the young couple that were virgins before marriage, and a year later, still are. Their story is my own. I speak from 45 years of lost love, sex, and caring. I remained a virgin two years after marriage. I had such migraine headaches from the stress my boss would not allow me back to work without a doctor's note. How could I go back to the doctor I knew since childhood, a virgin two years after he attended my wedding? So I saw another doctor. I cried myself to sleep many nights. I needed someone to hold and love me. Eventually, we did indulge, and I got pregnant immediately. I had a child all my own to love. Three years later we got together, and again I was pregnant. Four years more passed, and I was given the gift of pregnancy for my anniversary. Now, with three children, life did not improve. My husband worked in law enforcement, so he worked around the clock. Obviously, he kept himself happy while I craved love so desperately. I don't think it is good for children not to see love between their mother and father. Our last child was especially aware because I left the useless bedroom while she was young. The moral of the story is this. Young man, get out of your loveless marriage. At 65 I'm too old now to make the change, plus my friends would be stunned. Vera Vera, many people carry a secret without realizing how many others carry the same secret. Even though you feel it is too late for you, you shared your experience to help another whose life is still ahead of him. There is another moral. A secret exposed loses its power. The fear of revealing a problem traps you in the problem. When you overcome fear and openly express your feelings and the need for help, a solution becomes possible. Locked in the fear of discovery, the problem denied, there is no solution but more secrecy. Wayne & Tamara write: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com

Poor Sleep Can Lead to Inflammatory Problems

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones An old Irish proverb says, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” But research suggests it would be wiser to think of good sleep as an ingredient of wellbeing – a starting point for health, not a fixer-upper. Sleep is an essential building block of good health, along with quality nutrition, moderate exercise, socioeconomic connectivity, mindfulness, and ample good luck. Guidelines recommend “7 to 9 hours of good-quality sleep for adults aged 18 to 64, on a regular basis, with consistent sleep and wake times for health benefits.” For adults aged 65 and older, a slightly modified “7 to 8 hours of sleep” is advised. But sleep is too often neglected – insufficient in both quantity and quality. According to a global sleep survey, 62% of adults worldwide feel they don’t sleep well when they go to bed. Surveys show that North Americans, on average, sleep just under 7 hours a night. Some are getting more – and good for them. Some are getting less – with serious consequences. Poor quality sleep has harmful implications for insomniacs. The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports, “Sleep deficiency is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and depression.” But drowsy people have negative implications for other people too. Lack of sleep is a major factor in deadly car accidents and other transportation tragedies. Both the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster and the Exxon Valdez oil spill involved workers affected by sleep deprivation. Although people commonly try to “catch up” on sleep during the weekend, studies have found this to be a losing strategy. For one thing, less weekday sleep equates to later nights, awake and snacking, which leads to weight gain and involves challenges in managing diabetes, for example. It may be disappointing to learn more bad news. Research now shows that even long periods of sufficient sleep don’t make up for sleep deficits. Not getting good sleep? The damage is done. Scientists are starting to unpack exactly what kind of problems develop from lack of good sleep. One study founds that consistently losing an hour and a half of sleep a night can increase the risk of inflammatory disorders and cardiovascular disease. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, showed that sleep disruptions in both humans and mice led to the same loss in the protective effects of their immune systems “actually making infections worse”. In effect, poor sleep causes trouble in blood cell production, leading to overproduction of white blood cells that normally fight infections, but the overabundance instead results in inflammation. Another study involving more than 7,000 men and women at the ages of 50, 60 and 70, found that people at age 50 getting five hours of sleep or less were “20% more likely to have been diagnosed with a chronic disease and 40% more likely to be diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases over 25 years, compared to people who slept for up to seven hours.” Those are big differences! Those two more hours of sleep gives the body enough time to complete one full sleep cycle, allowing brain and body to recuperate and immune systems to function effectively. What are some tips for healthy sleep? Get natural daylight exposure. Limit alcohol before bed. Eliminate noise and light disruptions. And at bedtime, allow into the mind those things that sooth the soul. These days, that means turning off the evening news and turning instead to a good book. 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

Impress Your Interviewer with Your Questions - Part 1

By Nick Kossovan This column is the first of a 2-part series on asking your interviewer questions that'll impress them, thus setting you apart from your competition. Job hunting is a sales process. Critical to the sale process is asking questions. Sales professionals understand the importance of asking questions that uncover and clarify the prospect's needs and wants (aka clarifying questions, discovery questions). Salespeople who ask open-ended questions about their prospects' obstacles, processes, and goals demonstrate a genuine concern for their prospect's needs and wants. (READ: Solving their problem.) Hence, based on the prospect's answers, the salesperson can determine whether the product or service they're offering may be a good fit to address the prospect's needs and wants. When it comes to sales, the outcome is only influenced once the customer believes the salesperson is listening and cares about them. When interviewing, the same applies. Here's the scene: You're sitting in front of your interviewer. You probably had to go through a few hoops, such as a telephone screening, a Myers-Briggs Assessment, and skill testing, to be granted this interview. Nevertheless, you've been vetted and given the green light to take up the interviewer's time. During the 45-minute interview, you answer the interviewer's questions concisely, crafting your answers, so they perfectly showcase your skills and experience. You're more charismatic than David Lee Roth on a late-night talk show. You've positioned yourself just short of being the second coming for the company's revenue issues. You think, How can Arlene not see I'm perfect for this job? There's no possible way she'll find a better candidate than me. You're in the interview zone, a sweet place to be. Then your interviewer inevitably asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" This is where most job candidates die a death by a thousand cuts. From my experience, most interviewees fail to impress their interviewer because they don't ask dynamic and thoughtful questions throughout the interview. TIP: Ask questions throughout the interview. Rather than the interview being a Q&A, as most people envision an interview to be, you'll have a conversation with your interviewer and influence the direction of the interview. Asking questions is how you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the position you're interviewing for, your potential boss's management style, expectations, and the company's culture. You want your questions to prompt a deep-dive discussion about your background, leaving no doubt in the interviewer's mind that you are the right candidate while you gauge if the job, company and your potential future boss are a fit for you. Don't make the mistake I've seen countless times of asking questions that can easily be found on the company's website, LinkedIn company page, Internet, etc. (e.g., Do you have offices in Europe? What's your market share? Who are your competitors? When was the company founded?) Questions like these reveal that you didn't prepare for the interview, and you're just winging it. During the interview, you must demonstrate that you'll contribute significantly to the organization, can hit the ground running, and are highly motivated to play an active role immediately. Therefore, during your next interview, don't ask cliché questions like: -When do you need someone in the position? - Is there a social committee? - What would my hours be? - Do you have casual Fridays? Instead, ask questions that show you're serious about joining the company and ensuring the job is a right fit. Candidates who ask me questions to assess if the job, team, leadership style, and company culture are a good match for them create a positive impression on me. How will you manage me? I value syncing with my boss, which is why this is my favourite question. Having some insight into my potential manager's management style enables me to decide whether to accept a job if it is offered. If you like what you hear, thank your interviewer for their candidness. Then, reinforce how well you would work under their management style by saying, "The Director I reported to at Lacuna, Inc. had an open-door policy like yours. Although I was careful not to abuse his time, I felt comfortable approaching him with any challenges I was facing. Often these spontaneous conversations turned into problem-solving sessions, which I learned from. Therefore, when the same challenge presented itself again, I was able to handle it independently." You're probably thinking, What if I don't like what I hear? I've had that experience more than once. Since I got an honest answer to my question, I reply honestly, if for no other reason than for my self-respect and not wanting to enter into an employment situation which wouldn't work for me. "Thank you for your candid answer. Knowing myself as I do, I don't see your management style and how I work being a fit." I then get up, thank my interviewer for their time and leave. It's better to cut ties now rather than later under "unpleasant" circumstances. Stay tuned for the second part of this column with more, lots more, questions you can and should ask to impress your interviewer. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

Climate change and the New World order

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, as the war in Ukraine sees Europe scrambling to find adequate supplies of natural gas - a fossil fuel - for the coming winter. Oblivious to the realities, the United Nations is poised to hold yet another of its global palavers on 'climate change'. From Nov. 6 - 18, 2,000 speakers and 35,000 participants will pour into the tourist paradise of Sharm-el Sheikh in Egypt for what's formally known as COP 27 - the 27th annual meeting of the UN's Conference of the Parties, ostensibly to fight for the survival of our planet. Tens of thousands of delegates - world leaders, ministers, envoys, appointed bureaucrats, climate activists, NGO observers and journalists - will descend on the city, their chests bedecked in lanyards and colour-coded badges in a circus-like atmosphere. Lately, every United Nations climate summit seems to spew a lot of carbon into the atmosphere, generated by delegates travelling there, their spending on two weeks of hotel accommodation (steep for grassroots organisations), and the public relations bonanza enjoyed by the host government, which invariably positions itself as an eco-friendly champion. By all accounts, the Egyptian government is frantically building a bubble in Sharm el-Sheikh, donning the guise of a newly defined democracy, marketing itself aggressively ahead of the summit. A promotional video on the Cop27 official website welcomes delegates to the "green city" of Sharm el-Sheik and shows young actors - including men with scruffy beards and necklaces clearly meant to look like environmental activists - enjoying non-plastic straws and biodegradable food containers as they take selfies on the beach, enjoy outdoor showers and drive electric vehicles to the desert to ride camels. Unlike every other climate summit in recent memory, this one will have no authentic local partners. There will be some Egyptians in attendance claiming to represent "civil society", but in a departure from the usual UN rules, almost all have been vetted and approved by a government that is anything but a flagship of democracy. That's just the beginning of a green gold rush for Egypt, however. Late last month, British International Investment (BII), which is backed by the UK government, giddily announced that it was "investing $100m to support local start-ups" in Egypt. It is also the majority owner in Globeleq, which has announced, just ahead of Cop27, an $11bn deal to build up green hydrogen production in Egypt. At the same time, BII stressed its "commitment to strengthen its partnership with Egypt and increase climate finance". Germany, one of Egypt's major donors and trading partners, also has major interests there. Given the difficulties caused by Germany's reliance on Russian gas, Egypt is eagerly positioning itself to provide replacement gas and hydrogen. Meanwhile, German giant Siemens Mobility has announced a "historic" multibillion-dollar contract to build electrified high-speed trains across Egypt. Glovingly looking forward to this summit, Canadian Federal Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, will lead the Canadian delegation on an issue that should be of no small concern to Canadian taxpayers, given that the Trudeau government has committed more than $100 billion to the cause to date. At this year's UN climate summit, developing countries will be making a major push for more financial reparations from developed nations like Canada, beyond the billions of dollars already committed, for the damage to their countries caused by climate change. Their argument is that the vast majority of emissions affecting climate change have historically come from developed nations. It doesn't seem to matter that Canada was never a colonial power exploiting developing countries; for the Trudeau government, squandering taxpayers' money is not a problem. In the real world, the UN's top-down ivory tower approach to addressing their definition of climate change is in shambles. They have more than a quarter century of failures going back to the first Cop1 conference in Berlin, Germany in 1995. By the way, global emissions have returned to record levels, after a brief decrease due to the economic slowdown caused by the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This illustrates that only periods of global economic decline and recession have ever reduced emissions, and only temporarily. They have nothing to do with politically motivated climate change policies. So is this recently induced recession in the western world a new attempt to reduce emissions and take the opportunity to establish a New World order as heralded by the World Economic Forum (WEF)? A UN report released last week claims the world is heading for a catastrophic increase in average global temperatures of 2.8 degrees Celsius by 2100, compared to pre-industrial levels, exceeding what the UN considers the safe level of 1.5C to 2C. So how is it that the glaciers in the Himalayas still exist, despite a UN report that they should have disappeared by now? Even if all current emission reduction commitments are achieved - the Trudeau government's targets are 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050 - "We are headed for a global catastrophe," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared in the wake of the report's release. The war between Russia and Ukraine has demonstrated how pointless emission targets set by the UN during these annual carbon dioxide-spewing treks to the world's vacation hotspots are. When Russia cut natural gas exports to Europe in retaliation for western sanctions imposed for its invasion of Ukraine, all green energy considerations were abandoned as a matter of expediency. Countries like Germany are firing up abandoned coal-powered energy plants to get through the winter with adequate supplies of electricity. Coal being the most carbon dioxide intensive fossil fuel when burned compared to natural gas, how will this reduce their emissions? The UN's approach to addressing climate change has become a textbook example of the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. These annual global gabfests with their giant carbon footprints, where global celebrities arrive on private jets, to show they care about the planet, send the worst possible message in addressing climate change - hypocrisy. Even Greta Thunberg, the darling of climate change advocacy, is skipping the 'greenwashing' Cop27 climate summit in Egypt. If last year's summit in Glasgow was about "blah, blah, blah", this one's meaning, even before it starts, is more ominous. This summit is about blood, blood, blood with the war raging in Europe. It's time to scrap this buffoonery. Someone please tell the UN about video conferencing. What are your thoughts?

After Being Rejection Stay Connected

By Nick Kossovan "It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra. In other words, you don't fail until you give up. Job searching in one sentence: Presenting yourself to employers so they can decide whether you're worthy of being on their payroll. Hence, job searches are inherently rejection-ridden. Having been rejected numerous times, I know firsthand how painful rejection can be. People tend to want to move on as quickly as possible when rejected. Hold on, not so fast! Getting rejected by an employer may be the start of a beautiful friendship. Staying in touch with those who rejected you may seem like an invitation for awkwardness; however, it doesn't have to be. Try viewing staying in touch with people who rejected you as expanding your network. My network is populated with people who've interviewed me but didn't hire me. Frequently, I hear from people whose job I turned down or who rejected me years ago wanting to discuss a job opportunity. Trust me, keeping in touch with the hiring manager, HR manager, or recruiter who passed on you can pay off. According to the following statistics, staying in touch with the person(s) who rejected you is in your best interest. Recently, BambooHR, an HR software provider, surveyed over 1,000 people about their onboarding experiences. Not surprisingly, BambooHR's survey revealed alarming stats on new hires leaving within six months. Here's the breakdown of when people leave: 1st Week: 16.45% 1st Month: 17.42% 2nd Month: 16.77% 3rd Month: 17.42% 4th Month: 10.97% 5th Month: 5.48% 6th Month: 14.48% The reasons for new hires leaving are a matter of speculation. The reasons will range from feeling neglected, overwhelmed, under-appreciated, and underqualified to a job they interviewed for during their job search came through. As you can see, the odds of the person hired for your dream job leaving within the first six months are high. What would the employer prefer to do if a new hire quits or doesn't work out? A. Start the hiring process again? B. Ask the candidate who came in second or third if they are still interested in the job? Obviously, B. It's essential to lay the foundation for staying connected during the interview process. First, build a rapport with your interviewer(s) by finding some common ground, whether golf, Greek food, or having gone to the same college or university. Your goal is to establish a connection with the interviewer. After the interview, email a thank-you note mentioning the common ground between you and your interviewer. ("I enjoyed talking about how you, like me, find Parkview's golf course to be challenging, especially since the Rouge River comes into play on 5 of the holes."). Then give one or two additional reasons, which you didn't mention during the interview, why you feel you're the best candidate for the job. Even better, give a relevant STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) story. Many candidates feel that not being selected out of 100s of candidates who have applied is tantamount to a personal attack. The possible reasons you weren't chosen are countless. Business is never personal (Yes, I believe this to be true.), therefore rejection should never be taken personally. Adopt the narrative that being rejected provides you with an opportunity to build a long-term relationship with the employer that could be beneficial in the future. Establishing the foundation to build a long-term relationship starts with ensuring you end your interviews positively. Also important is clearly stating your ongoing interest. Never assume your interviewer(s) knows this. "I really enjoyed our conversation. From everything you've told me, as well as Linda, during our phone interview, I can see myself enjoying working for Powell Motors as head of the design department. I'm looking forward to hearing back from you regarding next steps." Showing continuous interest throughout the interview process can be a key component to getting hired. However, should you not be hired, you want to convey that you're open to future opportunities. It's not overly aggressive to say, "If you don't mind, I'd like to stay in touch. I'd be interested in exploring other opportunities that may come up at Powell Motors, especially with the company launching a line of hybrid electric cars in mid-2023." Never say, "I'd like to stay in touch in case the person you chose doesn't work out." Such a statement implies you're questioning the hiring manager's judgement. Then, stay connected, so you stay top of mind. On LinkedIn, follow the company's page and connect with everyone who interviewed you. Engage with their posts (like, comment, retweet) and the company's on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. There will be times when you won't want to continue a conversation with a specific employer because the working environment felt wrong, or you didn't feel the love. This is fine; take yourself out of the hiring process or decline should you receive the job offer. However, still offer to connect and stay in touch. Maintaining contact with people you meet during your job search is in your future's best interest. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

I am sorry

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. I am sorry to all that I let down this past election as many of you have given time and effort for a better Oshawa. I am sorry to all that contributed and hoped that the status quo once in for all would be broken and municipal government brought back to the people. I am sorry that even an electrical contractor alarm company clerk/estimator and the status quo gained more votes that positive change. I guess Oshawa voters do not take in consideration, qualification, education, life experience contributions to the community when selecting who will lead them in the future. I am sorry to the many homeless living on our streets that I can’t help you get out of the situation you are in. That you will suffer with knowing no help is coming. I am sorry to all the drug addicts and those suffering mental health issues that you will be treated like a nuisance and continue to be treated like second class citizens. Pushed from one area to another by tax paid security forces... Be subjected to noise harassment under bridges design to eradicate rats. I am sorry to all the downtown businesses that will be subjected to more of the same. To the coming of loss of businesses in the core due to the 14,270 voters. I am sorry that your businesses will continue to suffered if not forced to close. I am sorry to all those that are constantly harassed and abused by the City by-law office. I am sorry to all that call in to the City of Oshawa and are treated as second class citizens. I am sorry that for the 82% of citizens of Oshawa that failed to come out and vote. That their lives will be impacted by higher taxes, more crime and a future with no opportunity for your children to grow and buy a home in Durham Region. It is beyond comprehension how out of all the council members we only changed one. One, are we to assume that the people of Oshawa are OK with what is taking place in Oshawa. Don’t get me wrong. I am not sour about loosing. I am not upset at the fact that we all will be subject to the same for another four years. I put my name to better the future of our children In Oshawa. It appears that it is OK to continue with 10 year affordable housing waiting lists. I guess I was wrong to expect good paying jobs to come to Oshawa so that our children some day could afford to buy a house. I guess that people feel safe shopping downtown. Are OK with people sleeping on our city streets. That the current administration has done such a great job with wasting your tax dollars. Just like recently the city decided to ‘brand’ the city to the cost of $50,000. A truly waste of tax payers money. But most will say the usual.... “I did not know”. Most will pay tax increase after tax increase for the next four years. Many of us will have to fore close on our houses due to economic reality. Others may actually end up living on the street or in their cars... as there are no available emergency homes available. Have we become so uncaring? Is democracy dead? Is public and civic responsibility so eroded that we stop caring? I guess this is why more qualified candidates come out and put their names as candidates. So what do we have for council. A mayor that was a former drug addict. Councillors that are 2 retiree's, a self acclaimed musician, an 3 unemployable, 4 realtors, a lawyer. No accountants, no doctors, no architects, no economist, no business persons, no professionals. It appears that in Oshawa we reward failure over success. The real question that lingers in my mind is can we afford another four years of this type of downward spiral? It appears that obviously we will have to. You casted your votes and this is what we are stuck with. I'm sorry but we had a choice and we forfeited for the status quo.

Out of the Frying Pan

Direct Answers from Wayne & Tamara

Each day, I feel I am merely existing and not living. I was widowed at 32 and have remained single. I feel unfulfilled with my job, my kids, and in this small town. I've always been restless, but I always made do. My kids are teenagers. As I get older, I want to do something drastically different with my life. A year ago, I corresponded with a man living in Alaska. I chickened out because it seemed too hard. I didn't feel I could live in the Alaskan bush after spending all my life taking indoor plumbing for granted. At the time, I was filled with doubt. Now I regret not making the attempt. All I want is to reconstruct my life, so I wake up each morning with gratitude for being alive. What can I do? Sherry Sherry, you have spent your life being someone else's child, someone else's wife, someone else's mother. How much time have you spent being yourself? Who are you, and who did you want to be? You had dreams; you had aspirations. What happened to them? Search the scrapbook of your memory, and find them again. That is the place to begin. Which of those items still stirs your spirit? What can you do, what can you change, what would it take to make any of them possible? You are at a weak point, so it is tempting to reconsider ideas you've already passed on. The Alaskan wilderness is someone else's dream. You dream of indoor plumbing and running water. Don't move from what you have to less. Move from what you have to more. You are still a young woman. You have most of a lifetime in front of you. Nearly all paths are still open to you. Give yourself time. Enjoy exploring all the possibilities. When you find what connects, act! Wayne & Tamara Falling Short Of Love I have been involved in a gay relationship for four years. For the past few months, times have been tough, though somehow we got through them. A year ago, my partner's father died and left her with nothing. Her mother put up the money on a house and moved in with us. This was the only way my partner could afford to buy a house. I contribute to the house payment but own nothing of the property. My lover's mother suffers from a mental disorder which causes her to go completely off her head at times and not remember a thing. I am starting to resent my partner for dragging me into this situation, even though I consented to the whole thing. My other problem is my best friend left last month to work overseas. I miss her terribly and told her I have been in love with her for three years. It started with a game of Truth or Dare. I regret mentioning my feelings, as I am afraid of losing my best friend. I just want to run away. The walls of my life are closing in, and I don't know where the door is anymore. Ginger Ginger, you are confused because you think being alone is worse than being in an unsatisfactory relationship. You don't want your partner, and your best friend declined your invitation. Tell your partner the truth, including your feelings for your best friend. Don't let her think her mother is the cause of the problem. You can't say you love your partner when, for three out of four years, you imagined yourself with another. It is love only when, no matter what difficulties or glories life brings, you can't imagine yourself with anyone else. Have courage. Honestly end your current relationship, so you are free before you begin another. Courage is the most liberating thing. It makes life simple. It opens doors when we can't find the way out. Wayne & Tamara write: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com

Loneliness Among Men

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones Loneliness is worse for health than obesity – as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It can increase the risk of death by 26 percent and of cognitive decline on the way. But a recent story on the Good News Network offered a heart-warming take on loneliness among older men. At 67 years of age, “Phillip Jackson moved back to England from Australia,” the story reads, “and immediately felt like a stray dog in his native town.” He may have felt out of place, but he should not have felt alone. There is an abundance of people who feel isolated, even when they are living in vibrant communities. Age UK’s report All the Lonely People forecast the number of people over 50 in England experiencing loneliness to reach 2 million people by 2026. How terribly sad that the same organization found “half a million people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.” According to a global survey, about 33 percent of adults experienced feelings of loneliness worldwide. Brazil, the seventh most populous country in the world, has the loneliest adults, with 50 percent of the survey’s respondents declaring that they felt lonely some of the time, often or always. Less than a third of Australian adults feel that way. It might be because they’ve found an interesting solution. Phillip Jackson learned about the Australian Men’s Shed Association, a rapidly expanding network of mostly men but some women too who appreciate getting together to do woodworking. These Men’s Sheds, now numbering over 1,200 groups in Australia, are basically a social club in disguise. On the surface, members get together and make things out of wood. But the role these groups play in helping otherwise lonely people connect with peers for a common purpose is not to be underestimated. Other similar groups exist. MensGroup, for example, has podcasts, a YouTube channel, self-improvement courses, and even adventure retreats. Makings new friends at any point in life can be challenging. A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships estimated it takes about 90 hours with someone to make them a real friend, and 200 to become “close”. For some men, making friends can be tough. Josh Glancy, a British journalist, wrote in Men’s Health, “Many of us find it easier to talk about football or politics than to admit to suffering from a low sex drive or feeling undervalued at work. We don't know who to tell these things, or how to say them.” He made the apt comparison of loneliness to hunger. “It's a lack of emotional sustenance, the physical pleasure of being in the company of someone who cares about you.” Getting older inevitably means losing the hard-earned friends made over a lifetime. It’s a sad irony that the older one gets, the fewer friends remain who share the same memories and interests. A study in the American Journal of Men’s Health offers good advice. Have a purpose in life. In this regard, researchers have good news. People can, they say, develop a sense of purpose even when faced with significant adversity. And more good news, one’s life purpose can change. It doesn’t have to be the same purpose from start to finish. Grandfathers have been known to counsel their grandchildren, “Go sit on the beach until you know what you want to do with your life.” Maybe it’s time for the old fellows to take their own advice. If the beach is distant, then there might be a Men’s Shed around. Better still, start up another one. 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

5 Mistakes I Often See Candidates Make in Interviews

By Nick Kossovan Interview mistakes are inevitable; what matters is the extent of the mistake. Being judged by a stranger is never comfortable. You act desperate when you have less than $700 in the bank. The number of mistakes you can make during an interview are endless, from showing up five minutes late to not asking questions. (TIP: Engage your interviewer in a conversation by asking questions throughout the interview.) In this column, I'll focus on five interview mistakes I often see candidates make. 1. Over-inquiring about company culture. I get it; you want to ensure the company's culture will not tax your well-being. Here's the thing, do you really expect your interviewer to tell you the "real" truth about their company's culture? You'll get answers like, "We're a family around here," or "We value our employees. For example, we have monthly BBQs." You'll never hear: - "Well, there's Kevin. He's been with us for 32 years, well past his prime, but to get rid of him would be costly. So, we keep him around, and his colleagues pick up his slack." - "Veronica in purchasing is great at her job but watch your back if you're not in her good book." - "We haven't given out raises in 3 years. The pandemic has had a huge impact on our revenue." When discussing the company's culture with your interviewer keep human dynamics in mind. Your interviewer might enjoy working for the company, but that doesn't mean you will. Moreover, your interviewer isn't going to bad-mouth their employer. Furthermore, "culture" is never uniform from department to department, especially within a large company. Yes, culture is critically important. However, focus on showing your interviewer that you're a good fit for the job. I've had candidates who spent 50% of the interview asking me questions about the company's culture and little time telling me why they're a fit for the position. If you want the truth-and you should- regarding a company's culture speak to current and past employees. (LinkedIn's your friend.) 2. Selling your education and upskilling accomplishments. I don't have high regard for diplomas and certificates. I have high regard for a candidate's real-world experience. We're constantly offered degrees, certifications, programs, and workshops that promise career success. Considering all the education candidates have, why do I have trouble finding candidates with: - Clear, concise writing skills. - Above-average verbal communication skills. - Analytical skills and the ability to think critically. Educational institutions are in the business of churning out students. Therefore, obtaining an "I completed" piece of paper without having learned and demonstrated fundamental skills is common. Hyping your "accreditations" makes it hard for your interviewer to determine your actual skills. Do your interviewer and yourself a big favour; concentrate on emphasizing your relevant, tangible experiences that prove you have the skills you claim to have. 3. Overusing "I." "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961 Often, candidates put too much focus on themselves. (READ: self-centred) Candidates talk about their expectations, career plans, and how the job will help them gain valuable experience and skills. Employers aren't responsible for your career; only you are. Instead, explain how you can bring unique value to the company and how hiring you would be a win-win partnership. 4. Not showing confidence. The number one reason I reject a candidate is a lack of confidence. Why should I believe in you if you don't? I can only speak for myself; therefore, take what I'm about to tell you with a grain of salt. My preference is for candidates with a high level of confidence, often bordering on arrogance. I understand candidates fear they'll come off as egotistical. You'll greatly benefit your job search and career by finding that sweet spot where you can sell yourself without sounding too good to be true. Boasting is never well received. On the other hand, underselling yourself will hinder your interview success. 5. Assuming you must know every answer. Candidates struggle with the notion of saying, "I don't know." However, it's possible to express this sentiment more authentically. When you're being questioned, speak to whatever sounds familiar to you. As for the parts that aren't familiar, say something along the lines of: - "I'm not familiar with what you're referring to. However, it sounds like X, which I used in my last company." (Then talk about X.) -"I imagine it works like X, which I used while working at Grafton Inc. I'll make it a priority to familiarize myself with it before my start date." Whatever you do, don't attempt to pretend something, be it software, a process, machinery, knowledge of government regulations, etc. is familiar to you. Hiring managers, especially those of us who've been around for a while, have a keen sense of detecting when someone is "exaggerating." Remember the golden rule of interviewing: Be honest. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

The Chief of Defence Staff and the Status of the Canadian Forces

I am disappointed in the leadership of the Canadian Armed Forces. This disappointment is particularly poignant as we approach Remembrance Day, a time when we remember the great sacrifices made by our soldiers in the wars fought to safeguard our country and ensure that today we can live in one of the best countries in the world to raise a family. Recently the Canadian Forces have been plagued by scandals and controversies at the highest level. I will not go into details because it is already a matter of public record. As a retired military myself, I am dismayed that the morale in the forces is at the lowest ebb, ever largely due to a lack of leadership and an unnecessary bending to undue political influences. This effect was evident in the decisions made by the acting, and subsequently appointed Chief of Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre during the Covid 19 pandemic. In a recent article, Lee Berthiaume outlines an interesting and concerning situation in the Canadian Press, which does a credible job of outlining the current situation in the Canadian Forces decision-making process. The commander of the Canadian Armed Forces was warned by his senior legal and medical advisers last year that requiring all troops to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was unnecessary; ?and that doing so "may not constitute a legal order." The message was delivered to Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre in an August 2021 briefing note, two months before then defence minister Harjit Sajjan directed him to impose a vaccine requirement for all troops. It is well understood that when soldiers are deployed in overseas missions it is necessary for the fighting troops to have their vaccination approved by Health Canada in order to maintain fighting capability. But not everybody in the army should be subject to this. The Aug. 27, 2021, briefing note was presented to Eyre by then Maj.-Gen. Trevor Cadieu, who was one of the defence chief's strategic advisers at the time. As background, he was slated to become army commander, but retired after allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2022, he travelled to Ukraine to join the fight against the 2022 Russian war in Ukraine. The briefing note was prepared "in close collaboration" with senior medical, legal, political and public affairs officers and it incorporated legal analysis from the Department of Justice. The memo suggested a universal mandate was unnecessary to protect the health of the Canadian Armed Forces, given that more than 90 per cent of Armed Forces personnel were already vaccinated at that time. The advisers also warned that Armed Forces members could try to push back against the vaccine mandate on safety grounds. At that time, Health Canada had authorized COVID-19 inoculations under a special interim order due to the emergency nature of the pandemic. "Prior to full approval of the vaccines under Canada's Food and Drug Regulations, CAF members ordered to receive COVID-19 vaccination might argue that they are being ordered to accept a new and potentially dangerous medical substance into their body," the note said. In their note, Eyre's advisers cited the case of former Sgt. Mike Kipling, who was charged in 1998 under Section 126 of the National Defence Act, which allows the military to charge members who "wilfully and without reasonable excuse" refuse an order to get a vaccine. Kipling had been ordered to take an anthrax vaccine while serving in Kuwait, but refused because he considered the drug unsafe. The vaccine was unlicensed for use in Canada. A military judge eventually ruled in favour of Kipling, agreeing that his Charter rights were infringed. The Forces appealed and a new court martial was ordered, but the military decided to drop the proceedings. Eyre was told military personnel who refused a vaccination order could be similarly charged under military law, but "there is a significant risk in ordering CAF members to accept COVID-19 vaccination, as it may not constitute a legal order." The memo also said a mandate for the Armed Forces "would not only be punitive in nature, but would also be counter to the successful efforts made to date to encourage maximum voluntary uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine." The advisers suggested the military share its voluntary approach with other federal departments as a "best practice." The advisers concluded by expressing support for the federal government's intent to bring in a proof-of-vaccination policy, but again cautioned that the rollout would need "prudent planning" that kept in mind the challenges they described. It should be mentioned that on Aug. 13, 2021, the Liberal government had announced a vaccine mandate for federal public servants, as well as workers and travellers in federally regulated transportation sectors. It is also well known that Canadian Forces members are not federal public servants. Anyway, Eyre first ordered all Armed Forces members to attest they had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on Oct. 6, 2021. Afterwards, rather than charging those who refused to comply, the military forced about 300 non-compliant Armed Forces members out of uniform using an administrative process called a 5F release that declares them unfit for service. About 100 troops have left voluntarily. Hundreds more had permanent censures put on their files. Outside the military, however, most federal employees were allowed to go on leave without pay and returned to their positions after the mandate was suspended in June this year. The Armed Forces' vaccination policy does allow exemptions for medical reasons, religious beliefs or any other grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. In late April, a parliamentary committee heard that more than 1,300 members had requested exemptions, but nearly 1,000 had been denied. So Eyre had the power "to order everyone to be vaccinated. Full stop. Then if they did not want to be vaccinated, they had to come up with a reasonable excuse at court martial but the senior leadership including the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Wayne Eyre wanted to avoid that at all cost, in order to look good to their patrons. These latest facts illustrate that today, the military is trying to punish soldiers without involving the courts, so there are legitimate questions about the legality of the vaccine order. Eyre and his office have not said exactly why that decision was made. His office said in a statement that "administrative measures and the administrative review process was considered the most appropriate approach." Asked if the decision to avoid the courts was the result of concerns about the legality of his order, General Wayne Eyre said that while Minister Sajjan directed him to include the Armed Forces in the broader federal government's mandate, "I was in agreement at that time, I issued the order. … Make no mistake, it's my order." Nice attitude… Just wondering why, we have a recruiting crisis in the military now, and a record number of soldiers retiring, while the world is becoming more and more dangerous? Let's have real leadership restored to the Canadian Forces.