KEPT IN THE DARK

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - I must begin this column by apologizing to all that have called and written to the newspaper in regards to Durham Region posting in this newspaper. Many of you are frustrated of calling down to the Region and being directed to an automated system and or to an operator that is less than informative. Only to get passed off to a voicemail that according to many of you do not get call backs. As the regional newspaper. I apologize for that inconvenience. Just this past week the Region held on October 7th, 2024 a recycle your batteries week. According to the many calls and letters. No one really knew anything about it. We contacted the Region over this and we were told that they are not advertising this event and that people should turn to their web site for information. In one of your letters, a reader stated. “I pay good regional taxes. I pay a hefty water bill. I want and demand service. I called the Region the other day and was passed off to some voicemail. No one returned my call. I called back. I was informed by a very snappy attendant that I should go online. I can barely pay my mortgage, insurance and food. I don’t have money for extras like internet. The operator did not care.” The reality of is that you the taxpayers are missing out on all kinds of events, notices and important information. The Region as well as many municipalities have opted to go digital only. This is exclusive and bias, not to mention insensitive to economic times. On the same breath. It is OK for the region to pass 6% personal expense increases. 7% across the board tax increase. What is going on here? You the tax payer is being treated like a second class citizen. Most people across the region are living on a prayer. The regional economics are not good. Gas, keeps going up. Food prices through the roof. Young folk, can’t afford rent forget the purchase of any home or luxury items. The internet has and is proving to be a luxury for many. The internet has and is proving to not be the vehicle for municipal announcement, events and posting. People do not turn to the net. People do not go to web pages. Web pages that in many cases are very hard to navigate. Seniors have a huge problem with getting access to computers. Many do not know how to operate them. Others, just don’t have the patience to sit there and read and click. Working folk after a long 8 - 10hr day. Will not sit there and look up what is happening at the Region. But instead will sit while waiting for food to be cooked, trip to the can and read a newspaper. Newspapers sit on tables. Easy to access. The only ones really going on line are the millennium yuppies. A small number of the population as a whole. I think it is the duty of every elected official to assure the population is well informed. That the population gets their money’s worth. The Central newspaper is so dedicated to such a cause that we make available for anyone elected the opportunity to write a weekly column in your regional newspaper at no charge. Yes, no charge. Read here of those that care about you. About keeping you informed. If you don’t see them participating. Remember them during the next election. Demand service, accountability and responsible government.

Ontario Education Needs Urgent Improvement In Teaching Fundamentals

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The new school year has started and Ontario’s school system is in bad shape. It seems to be driven by an ignorant woke class that permeates every aspect of the system like a malignant virus. A group of people in power positions pushing their own agenda with a blatant disregard for parental input, opinion or concerns. Today, the leaders of the boards of education are there to tell you that as a parent you do not need to know what is being taught, just trust them. If you ask questions, they tell you that you are racist, your kids are racist, the system is racist, everyone is homophobic, and our society is built on white supremacy and colonialism. Furthermore, the police are to be feared and Canada is a horrible country whose founders are to be forgotten because they were bad people. They also tell you that mathematics and science are only to be tolerated and sidelined because they are tools of the privileged class. Today’s educational leaders favor the new, so-called futuristic social approaches in order to create a ‘better’ society, ruled in bliss, by ignorants. Most people are unaware of what goes on in the school system. They genuinely believe the system is there to provide a service on which they can rely to do the best for their children. However, taking children on politically engaging trips, as the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) recently did, is the culmination in disregarding common sense. Now it has become absolutely clear that the educational system as currently run, is there to serve the needs, wants and ideology of a completely ignorant class of lackeys and the wokecrats who employ and enable them. Not long ago, Canada was a beacon of hope; the example of a harmonious society eager to do better for the country and be proud of it. Today we see a destructive trend that fractures our country and creates friction in our society, perpetuated by people following a globalist ideology that is harmful to the very existence of humanity. This is evident in the educational approach of today, which ignores real science in favor of a pseudo social science. Today it is more important to socialise than teach mathematics, physics and chemistry. One may wonder whether there are still teachers available who are knowledgeable in and competent to teach these subjects. Long gone are the homework assignments for children to complete, that served as the basis of a teacher parent interaction. Parents today are deliberately kept in the dark, strongly discouraged from asking questions about the curriculum or how it is being implemented in their child’s classroom. At best, they are given very vague, non-committal answers. Children are not allowed to bring home their workbooks, or even their marked tests. They are told the mark they got on the test, but do not have the actual test when the correct answers are discussed, to see where they went wrong. Have these educators forgotten that correcting your own mistakes is one of the key elements of effective learning? The education system has become quite dictatorial with no recourse for questioning by the very people who pay the taxes to support it, and hence, pay educators’ and administrators’ salaries. The results are evident in the performance of Ontario students on provincial tests in mathematics. They have been on a steady decline for years, despite careful tweaking of who takes the test, and specific lessons delivered before administering the test. It seems that the education system is there to produce graduates who are scientifically illiterate and technically challenged. This is not good for either the province or the country. For example, once Canada was a strong leader in the nuclear sciences. Today, when nuclear energy is recognized as ‘green energy’, we have lost that edge to countries whose education systems still hold mathematics and the exact sciences to be the cornerstone of general education. An approach to education that marginalizes mathematics and the exact sciences by making them socially unacceptable is bound to flounder in a technological world. A curriculum that makes statements like the following has clearly been taken over by people trying to rationalize their own scientific illiteracy: “Mathematics has been used to normalize racism and marginalization of non-Eurocentric mathematical knowledge, and a decolonial, anti-racist approach to mathematics education makes visible its historical roots and social constructions,” taken from the 2021 curriculum revision. When kids are being taught that math is racist, or everyone in history, including one of the founding fathers of our country, Sir John A. MacDonald for example, is racist, or that they are racist, a great injustice is being done both to the children and our history. Furthermore, the current curriculum is exposing children prematurely to social constructs in the classroom that also pose legitimate concerns, particularly about gender ideology. The idea that we should be teaching young children that gender is fluid, that you can change your gender, before they even fully understand the concept of gender, is not only unconscionable, but a recipe for disaster. There are also policies in place at school boards across the province that tell teachers not to inform parents of children, as young as four, who tell a teacher they want to change their gender. The school policy, far too often, is to do what the child says he/she wants based on premature exposure to these social constructs in school, while keeping the parents in the dark. There are also boards of education that prefer to celebrate flags other than the Canadian Flag, hoisting it instead of the symbol of our nation. How is that for inclusivity? Is this the new and revolutionary concept of nation building? We also had bans on allowing police officers into classrooms, especially in uniform, even for kids who wanted to bring a parent who works in law enforcement, for career day. None of these issues are driven by what is best for the students. They are driven by wicked politics. The government does not seem concerned, and does very little to change these trends in the education system. They are preoccupied with other issues, mostly concentrating on how to get re-elected and commit more taxpayer money to corporate welfare. It is time for parents to stand up and say, enough is enough. It is also time for the government to listen seriously to parents and return to them their justly earned primary role in the education of their own children. What do you think?

Canada's Hidden Railway Crisis: The Rising Threat of Trespassing Accidents

By Dale Jodoin In recent years, Canada's railways have been at the center of a growing safety crisis, one that affects the lives of hundreds and remains severely underreported. Trespassing accidents—where individuals cross or walk along train tracks—have become a significant and deadly issue, yet they rarely make headlines. The statistics are alarming: in 2023 alone, 53 people lost their lives due to trespassing accidents on Canada's rail lines. This is not just a freak occurrence but part of an ongoing trend that demands urgent attention. The Growing Danger on the Tracks The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recorded 913 rail accidents in 2023, slightly lower than the previous year but still troublingly high. Out of those incidents, 67 were fatal, with the majority caused by trespassing accidents. Trespassing now accounts for an overwhelming 79% of all rail fatalities, making it the number one cause of death on Canada's railways( The Safety Magazine These accidents don't just happen in isolated areas; they occur in communities across the country. Many victims are young people, homeless individuals, or those who may be unaware of the dangers of walking on or near tracks. The increasing population density in urban areas has also made it easier for individuals to access railway lines, whether for shortcuts or as part of their daily commute. A Persistent Problem While the overall number of railway accidents has slightly decreased, the death toll from trespassing accidents continues to rise. Experts have pointed out that one reason for this is a lack of public awareness about the severe risks of walking along train tracks. Many people see tracks as convenient shortcuts, unaware that trains often approach more quickly than they realize and cannot stop in time to avoid a collision. Trespassing fatalities have remained consistently high over the past five years. In 2022, 51 people were killed in trespassing accidents, and this number increased to 53 in 2023. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, despite efforts by railway companies and safety organizations to curb these incidents The Safety Magazine Understanding the Scale To truly understand the magnitude of the problem, it’s important to break down the statistics. In 2023, out of 913 total rail accidents, 87 involved dangerous goods such as chemicals, fuel, or other hazardous materials, but it’s trespassing that has captured the grim spotlight. On average, nearly five people die every month from trespassing accidents alone. Compare this to the 13 fatalities caused by crossing accidents (where vehicles or pedestrians attempt to cross the tracks at designated points), and it becomes clear that trespassing is far more dangerous. The Safety Magazine The loss of life is not just a statistic. These are real people, often from vulnerable communities, whose deaths have a ripple effect on their families, friends, and the broader community. Trespassing accidents leave behind shattered lives, and the emotional toll on train operators and first responders who witness these tragedies is immense. Why Is This Happening? There are several reasons for the rising number of trespassing fatalities. First, Canada's railway system spans vast areas, often running through densely populated cities and small, rural communities alike. Many people see train tracks as convenient shortcuts to get from one place to another, especially in areas where infrastructure like bridges or designated crossings is lacking. In some cases, people are unaware that they are even trespassing on private property. Homelessness has also been cited as a contributing factor. In urban areas, individuals without shelter often seek refuge near train tracks or use them as walking paths, unaware of the danger. Moreover, train speeds can vary, and depending on the weather conditions, trains can be especially quiet, making it hard for people to hear them approaching. Another major factor is insufficient fencing and barriers around railway tracks. While some urban areas have installed protective fences, many rural areas have little to no physical barriers to keep people from accessing the tracks. In regions where there are no fences or signs, people are more likely to wander onto the tracks without realizing the danger. What's Being Done to Stop This? Railway companies and organizations have taken steps to improve safety and raise awareness. Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Canadian National Railway (CN) have launched public safety campaigns to educate people about the risks of trespassing on railway tracks. These campaigns include advertisements, social media outreach, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. However, despite these efforts, the number of fatalities continues to rise. Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit dedicated to rail safety, has also worked to address this issue. They’ve launched the "Look, Listen, Live" campaign, which aims to teach Canadians the importance of being aware around train tracks and crossings. The campaign encourages people to "always expect a train" and highlights the irreversible consequences of not following railway safety rules. The TSB has also suggested that more needs to be done to prevent trespassing accidents, including better fencing, signage, and public awareness campaigns in high-risk areas. The Safety Magazine However, these measures come with a cost, and railway companies have been slow to implement them nationwide. In rural and remote areas, the lack of infrastructure and resources makes it difficult to protect the tracks fully. What Needs to Happen Next? The solution to this crisis is multifaceted. First and foremost, there needs to be a stronger commitment to public education. Schools and local governments must be more involved in spreading awareness about railway safety, especially in communities that are near train tracks. Parents should teach their children the dangers of playing near tracks, and adults need to be more conscious of the risks of trespassing. There also needs to be more investment in physical barriers like fences and warning signs in both urban and rural areas. Railway companies, local governments, and national safety organizations must work together to identify high-risk areas and take swift action to secure them. Finally, enforcement of trespassing laws needs to be strengthened. In many cases, trespassing on railway tracks is treated as a minor offense, but the consequences can be fatal. Increased patrols and fines may help deter people from walking on or near tracks. Canada's trespassing problem on its railway tracks is a deadly issue that deserves more attention. With 53 people killed in 2023, the dangers of walking along train tracks are clear. While efforts are being made to reduce these accidents, much more needs to be done to protect the public. By investing in education, infrastructure, and enforcement, Canada can work to prevent these senseless tragedies and save lives. The time to act is now.

DEATH BY STUPIDITY

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. What is it with this world we live in? When I call a company, I want to talk to a human being. Not some automated machine that ends up on a voice mail machine. When, I need a service or product. I do not want to go online. Even though, I have just about every credit card. I don’t want to be made to feel as if I have to use it. I look around me and I see nothing but numbers. No more people looking at each other and jesturing something as simple as ‘Hello”. I come from a small village and we all knew each other. We did not need the police as we took care of each other. No one got out of line. No one dared mess with other people’s business. The only time you see a cop would be when someone got shot. Otherwise we all feared God, knew enough about the law to not steal, kill or be disrespectful. I read this newspaper and I can’t believe the number of children committing crimes with guns and knives. Where are the parents. I know, In this modern day when responsibility and duty are something foreign. Kids give birth to kids. I pray to the God’s that we never have to fight a world war. We as a population are weak and do not have the character to make the sacrifices needed to preserve our way of life. We are brining up stupid children. We give out credentials as if they have no value. Everyone is a professor. Everyone is a winner. Sadly by all being winner we prove to be stupid.

Compulsory Certification is the answer

Jesus Was a Tradesperson

By Murray Strong Being an apprentice should be a rewarding experience. Money is needed while you train in a pre-apprenticeship course to support yourself and your family during the weeks of school. Canada Employment Insurance is available but make sure you fill in every line, answer every question and file on time. The Ontario government offers a taxable cash grant of $1000.00 per year level of schooling up to a maximum of $2000.00 per person. If you are 15 years old or older, in high school and need a summer job, apply through Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and inquire about working the summer in a skilled trade. The school councilor will be able to give you all the information you need. The best part of the government policy is your WSIB Workplace Safety And Insurance Board costs will be covered by The Ministry Of Education .WSIB covers any sickness or injury on the worksite while you are at the temporary job. If you like the experience, ask the employer if they will offer a full time apprenticeship. Every employer knows the high cost of WSIB payments, so you’re a free worker, if the Ministry pays the full cost. Extra credits too! The student is also covered under The Occupational Health And Safety Act (OHSA) to keep you safe. Skilled Trades Ontario has a pretty good web site explaining the rules to becoming an apprentice. Pre-apprentice training in Ontario is free! I will tell you a secret. The employer gets a tax credit of $10,000.00 a year up to $40,000 for the 4 years. You get a $500.00 tax credit to cover tools. There is an organization called Skilled Trades College Of Canada with 5 locations in Ontario. There is one in Ajax at 314 Harwood Ave unit 280. I do not recommend this organization. They want $12,900.00 plus a $400.00 deposit! They offer a 12 week, pre-apprenticeship course in electrical, plumbing and renovations and network cable technician. This college lists various grants and loans available for apprentices. When you visit their website read about their partners, read about financial services to help you pay them and look at the store where they offer clothing and water bottles with their name everywhere on the items. This only my opinion but I say walk on by this experience and keep the $13,300.00. Save it for your new “top of the line” tool box. No mention of any union support or large contractors. No mention of this course being recognized as hours towards your apprenticeship. Next issue I will show the dream course offered by SCAS of The Toronto School Board for students 21 or older. When visiting a web site, I usually go immediately to a sites comments from previous customers. It is easy to spot a bod comment. I look for suggestions, experiences, opinions and bad service comments. This website has students giving a 5 star rating, row after row .They claim to be the greatest Trades College in Durham .You want the truth, read the tiny amount of 1 star comments. Pre-apprenticeship is free in Ontario. Thank you Denny Crane

The True Bullies of Pickering: How the Mayor and Council are Abusing Power, Silencing Dissent, and Wasting Your Tax Dollars

By Lisa Robinson For over a year now, the mayor and fellow councillor’s of Pickering have relentlessly attacked me—not because I’m failing the people who elected me, but because I refuse to bow down to their political games and pander to their special interest groups. I’ve been sanctioned, stripped of my pay yet again for daring to speak up for the people of Pickering, for exercising my right to free expression under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This latest sanction—another three months without pay—marks a total of six months of financial punishment. This isn’t about accountability; it’s about intimidation. They want me to fall in line, but I refuse. The truth is, they’ve weaponized the Integrity Commissioner as their personal attack dog, pushing a one-sided narrative designed to discredit me. They twist my words, manipulate my actions, and suppress the voices of my constituents. Let me be absolutely clear: There was no legitimate investigation. This is a political hit job—a calculated attempt to silence me, to paint me as the problem, when the real bullies are sitting in council chambers. Think about it: if I didn’t care, don’t you think I’d just shut up and fall in line? Why would I keep working for free while they drag my name through the mud? I have nothing to gain from this fight, but they have everything to lose. I’m standing up for common sense for common people, while they cling to power and their self-serving interests, while catering to developers and special interest groups. The mayor himself has abused his power, using city staff on your dime—paid by Pickering’s taxpayers—to craft his 75 page witch hunt of manufactured complaints against me. And his bias is no longer just behind closed doors. On September 3, he openly stated he is biased towards me and that he doesn’t want to hear anything I have to say. What does that tell you? He is not just dismissing me—he’s also dismissing every voter who believes I have the right to be heard on their behalf. While they’re busy orchestrating this smear campaign, I’m out there doing the job I was elected to do. The day after they voted to strip me of my pay, I was the only member of council to show up at the “Pickering Forward” meeting, an important forum to hear what the people had to say about our city’s future. And where were the rest of them? They didn’t show because they don’t care about what you, the voters, have to say, and it wasn’t a photo opportunity. They’re more interested in silencing dissent and consolidating power than in listening to the people. What kind of leadership sanctions a single mother’s pay, knowing full well I have bills to pay, a mortgage to cover, and a family to support? They don’t care. Just imagine someone taking away your ability to pay for the roof over your head or to feed your family because they don’t like what you have to say. They would rather see me suffer, hoping to break me down so I’ll finally cave to their demands. This is not just an abuse of power; it’s vindictive harassment. They are unfit to lead—not just for their bullying and intimidation, but for their brazen attempt to lobby the Provincial government to change the Municipal Act. They want the power to remove elected officials who disagree with them—an assault on democracy. Worse still, they want to ensure that anyone they oust is banned from running in future elections, silencing the people’s choice even further. Their actions are not just authoritarian; they’re downright dangerous. They don’t want a council of diverse voices; they want an echo chamber where only their views reign supreme. Each of their characters should be seriously questioned, not just for what they’re doing to me, but for what they’re doing to you—the people of Pickering. The draconian measures they are putting in place is to stifle public input and are designed to rig future elections, to ensure only those who agree with their power-hungry agenda get a seat at the table. They don’t care about democracy or free speech—they care about control. And let’s not forget the staggering misuse of taxpayer dollars in this vendetta. Instead of returning my rightful salary—just $15,000+ for three months of lost pay—they’ve decided to burn up to $200,000 of your money fighting me in a judicial review. $200,000 of your hard-earned tax dollars that could be better spent on the community is being flushed down the drain to prop up their lies. And if you think it stops there, think again. When I take them to court again for another judicial review, I bet they’ll be more than willing to waste another $200,000, bringing the total to a disgraceful $400,000 of your hard earned tax payers money just to silence one voice. Do they care? Of course not—it’s not their money. It’s yours. Through all of this, I have never stopped fighting for the people of Pickering. I show up. I listen. I push back against corruption and collusion, even when they come after me with everything they’ve got. The mayor and his council have shown that they are not fit to serve—they are power-hungry, vindictive, and have zero regard for the voices of the people. And let me be clear, this isn’t just happening in Pickering – it’s happening in Municipalities across the Country. So it needs to stop immediately. Personally, I won’t back down. I will continue to stand with you—because that’s what real leadership looks like. Even when they try to silence me, I will not be bullied. The people of Pickering deserve better, and I will fight to give them the representation they elected me for. It’s time to hold these bullies accountable.

NO PUNISHMENT FOR DEFIANT COUNCILLOR INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER BLAMES COMPLAINANT

By Dean Hickey At its first scheduled meeting following the summer recess, council heard from Janice Atwood of Principles Integrity on the matter of councillor Derek Giberson having been found in breach of the Code of Conduct. A report received by council was critical of a Facebook post Giberson made earlier this year in which he commented on a police media release about a private individual. To make matters worse, he ignored the report and chose not to delete his comments, allowing them to remain active for the better part of a month afterwards. In an unexpected twist of events, the Integrity Commissioner proceeded to cast blame for Giberson’s defiance directly upon the individual who laid the original complaint. As many of our readers will know, I am that person. A complete transcript of the presentation to council will be made public by The Central in the days to come, however it is important to look closely at a few key comments that were made. “Council is…receiving the Recommendation Report, sitting in a disciplinary function” Although no sanctions against Giberson were recommended, members of council have the ability under the Municipal Act to undertake measures that would punish one of their colleagues, and show the residents of Oshawa that certain behaviour will not be tolerated or simply ignored. In this instance, Giberson remained non-compliant, even in the face of a report that recognized the influence his comments could have on a matter that is before the courts. “It is somewhat unfortunate that the complainant would not have, promptly, communicated with us in regard to the Facebook post remaining in place.” Following a brief outline of the facts, the Commissioner was asked by Ward 4 councillor Rick Kerr if sanctions against Giberson were in fact warranted, due to his not having removed his Facebook post immediately after receiving her report. The response was nothing less than disturbing to anyone who has at one time or other sought accountability on the part of elected officials. I advised the Commissioner of Giberson’s Facebook post remaining active between May 3 and September 20. When pressed by councillor Kerr, the Commissioner said no form of sanction was recommended, as the post had been “removed” days before. She then proceeded to lay the blame for this squarely at my feet for not having forwarded my concerns much earlier. “But still, it is…unfortunate that it wasn’t brought to our attention more promptly, as we would have promptly reached out to (Giberson) and it would have been down 23 days earlier” There’s a lot to unpack based on the Commissioner’s remarks. One has to wonder if I am now the gatekeeper of councillor Giberson’s Facebook page, and whether I am expected to bear responsibility for his having refused to take down the offending post. If the Commissioner laments the fact Giberson acted as he did, then why did she persist in not recommending any form of sanction? Is the Code of Conduct being applied only partially, and if so, is that a clear signal that this form of oversight is being compromised? Important questions, to be sure. At one point during her presentation, the Commissioner indicated that input from private individuals, including a complainant, is “irrelevant” once a report is issued. She then went on to suggest I somehow failed in my civic duty to keep her office informed. For someone in such a position of authority to willingly turn the tables of responsibility away from an elected official, only to throw that burden onto the shoulders of a private citizen, is nothing less than unprofessional and seriously misguided. Throughout the transcript of the presentation, one can easily discern repeated efforts by the Commissioner to prop up Giberson’s character to the point of seeming to advocate on his behalf. She went on to say, “…we accept the explanation that we received from (Giberson) with regard to the ‘lag’ in time for removing the post.” What that explanation was, and how it negated his defiance in the face of the report, remains unknown. Councillors subsequently voted on this issue without full knowledge of the facts. Ward 2 councillor Jim Lee suggested that Paragraph 79 of the Commissioner’s report was evidence enough to show why no sanction should be imposed. The Paragraph states, “The Respondent has acknowledged that, in hindsight, he would be more circumspect in his actions, and would likely refrain from making any similar such comment.” Perhaps councillor Lee can explain to the citizens of Oshawa exactly how he feels his colleague from Ward 4 has shown any semblance of having got the message. Quite the opposite, in that councillor Giberson’s refusal to take down his Facebook post demonstrated a clear attempt at non-compliance, and a further attack on a private citizen. To add to council’s seemingly inept stance, Ward 5 councillor Rosemary McConkey declared a conflict, advising the Mayor, “I believe I have too much of a bias” to be able to vote on the matter. One has to seriously ask how anyone could be seen as biased when trying to uphold the key principles of Council’s Code of Conduct. Councillor McConkey showed nothing less than political and moral cowardice on this issue. In last week’s edition of The Central, a Page 3 article took a look at what appears to be an unwritten rule of cooperation among those in power to seek advantage over others. Choosing not to exercise their right to sanction a fellow member of council who breached the Code of Conduct and openly defied the Integrity Commissioner’s report, shows council to have circled the wagons in an effort to shield one of their own from punishment, and that is not only disappointing, it is reprehensible. THIS WEEK IN COUNCIL HISTORY September 29, 1991 The Oshawa This Week Sunday Edition included a lengthy letter to the editor by councillor Brian Nicholson on the future of the city’s waterfront. He told readers, “It (is) evident that the residents of Oshawa want a better future for their community than dusty, noisy, obnoxious, polluting heavy industry.” He would go on to say, “Jobs-at-any-cost thinking has resulted in environmental damage that will take decades, if not centuries to repair.” The marina would eventually cease to operate, however the development and enhancement of parks and amenities would take place in the years since.

What exactly is a Renoviction?

By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist What exactly is a Renoviction? A renoviction is a process that a landlord undertakes to evict a tenant from their unit by telling them that there needs to be work completed in the unit or on the property. Renovictions are perfectly legal in the province of Ontario, however they need to be carried out in the proper manor. This is a process that is governed by the Landlord and Tenant board. There are certain forms and procedures that must be followed. If these procedures are not followed to the letter, they are considered bad faith renovictions and that is illegal in Ontario. Renovictions can be carried out to ensure the viability and stability of older buildings. Sometimes renovictions need to be carried out to update buildings and bring in new services. If something catastrophic has happened in a building, there may be a period of time that is required for major repairs. An N13 notice is what needs to be given to the tenant to start the procedure. This notice is a notice to end tenancy because the landlord wants to demolish the rental unit, repair it, or convert it into another use. It is very important for tenants to realize and understand that they have the legal right to return to their unit once the renovations are complete, at the same rental rate that they paid prior to the renovation. It is so important for tenants to know and exercise their rights in this situation. There are steps that need to be taken and if the tenant does not take them, they could be out in the cold. Tenants have what is known as the first right of refusal. In order to reoccupy the unit when renovations are complete, the tenant must notify the landlord in writing that it is their intention to move back in when the unit is ready for occupancy and provide the landlord with an up-to-date mailing address. Units that are being demolished do not offer the option of returning. If the tenant decides not to reoccupy the unit, they are entitled to compensation from the landlord. Three months’ rent if they live in a complex with more than five units, and one months’ rent for buildings with less than five units, or the landlord can offer the tenant another acceptable unit. With the explosion of the housing market in the last few years, bad faith renovictions have become a real problem in Ontario and an absolute nightmare for some tenants. Some unscrupulous landlords try to evict tenants by saying they need to perform renovations for various reasons and need the tenant to vacate. Often after vacating the unit, it would come back on the rental market, updated, at a much higher rent than the previous tenant was paying. This practice prompted The City of Hamilton to pass the province’s first and only anti-renoviction Bylaw that would require a landlord that wants to renovict a tenant to obtain a license from the city ($715) and provide proof from an engineer that the property must be vacated in order to perform the renovations. Enforcement of this Bylaw starts in January of 2025. Here are a few indicators that may point to an upcoming renoviction. A change in ownership can often signal that a renoviction may be on the way. If your neighbourhood has changed, you notice more condos going up, store fronts changing to new businesses. Often your rent is much lower than market rents due to the fact that you’ve lived there for a long time. Sometimes, a landlord will simply ask a tenant to voluntarily pay more rent. If the tenant refuses to pay an increase, the landlord will take measures to get more money for the unit. If your landlord has informed you that you need to leave your home in order for him to perform renovations, call the Landlord and Tenant Board to get a copy of what your rights are in this situation. Always arm yourself with the facts in order to make an informed decision. Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com

Jesus Was a Tradesperson

By Murray Strong Compulsory certification is the answer By Murray Strong 7200 hours , 4 years of your life, to become a skilled carpenter and receive a piece of paper to hang on your wall. According to Skilled Trades Ontario a carpenter constructs, renovates and repairs structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials in the residential, commercial and industrial construction sectors and in related industries. Specifically a carpenter establishes building procedures and prepares work sites- lays out, constructs and installs formwork and concrete foundations-frames floors, walls, ceilings and roofs- finishes interiors and exteriors- constructs heavy framing- builds stairs, posts and handrails- lays out, constructs and installs door and window systems- performs renovations. The real world of carpentry duties would expand this list another 1000. Time for Skilled Trades Ontario to visit an actual job site. If you want to work in the nuclear industry a welding ticket plus a carpentry certificate plus an extensive criminal background check by every law enforcement in Canada is required. Carpenters are taught some welding as part of the in school training. A actual welding license is very different from other trades because if you cannot pass a bend test your fired before your hired. Two pieces of beveled pipe on a 45 degree angle. The test gives you all position welding overhead, vertical, horizontal and flat. Clean the weld, cut into lengthwise pieces and bend them. There is no second chance. If the weld breaks from improper methods its crying time. I remember my first test. Durham College instructor shaking my hand when he passed my weld was the best feeling in the world. He said everyone needs a project to complete as part of the training for this welding course. Some of the guys built stoves, trailers but I really didn’t need a stove so he told me a group of people were trying to raise a actual jet at the Oshawa airport. The instructor asked if I would take this on as my project. The next day a giant piece of pipe arrived in the college shop. I was given a set of drawings showing the angle they wanted the plane to be mounted. The escape hatch on the underbelly was the method to hold the plane. Lots of welding underground buried in concrete. If you visit the Oshawa airport check out the jet and see my welding project. Durham College is so important to the trade’s community. Why is carpentry, not a compulsory trade? I know the reason, but I do not want to start a war. One has to be careful sometimes but nothing will change if nobody is willing to take the heat. Thank you Denny Crane

The Rise of Cancel Culture: A Threat to Free Speech and Open Debate

By Dale Jodoin Nuclear War and Durham Region: Why We're Not Prepared In today’s world, the threat of nuclear war, though distant to some, is a reality that cannot be ignored. If a global conflict were to erupt, Durham Region in Ontario could be one of the first areas to face devastating consequences. It’s a chilling thought, but one we must confront, as Durham hosts not one, but two nuclear power plants: Pickering and Darlington. These plants, strategically located on Lake Ontario, also sit in close proximity to major U.S. cities like New York, placing the region on the radar of hostile nations like Russia or North Korea. First and foremost, the presence of these two nuclear facilities makes Durham a prime target in the event of an international conflict. The sheer power these plants generate is vital, but it also poses an undeniable risk. Should any nation attempt to cripple Canadian infrastructure, these plants would be obvious targets. And that’s only the beginning of Durham’s potential problems. The Dire Statistics The numbers don’t lie. According to Natural Resources Canada, Pickering and Darlington nuclear stations combined generate nearly 7,500 megawatts of electricity, enough to power millions of homes. These plants also sit just 56 kilometers (35 miles) from Toronto, a city with a population of over 6.7 million people in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). An attack on these facilities would not only disrupt Canada’s energy grid but could also lead to catastrophic radioactive fallout affecting millions across southern Ontario. The Canadian government estimates that in the event of a serious nuclear disaster, more than 500,000 people would need to be evacuated from the Durham and GTA regions alone. But the evacuation infrastructure in place is inadequate. There are only a handful of major highways and arterial roads connecting the region to the north, and these would quickly become clogged with panicked residents. In a simulation conducted by Public Safety Canada, it was estimated that the roads out of the GTA could become impassable within 2-3 hours of an emergency, leaving thousands trapped with nowhere to go. On the American side, reports from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security show that fallout from a nuclear strike on a facility like Pickering or Darlington could travel across Lake Ontario, impacting major U.S. cities like Buffalo and Rochester. The population in these cities totals around 2 million people, adding to the overall devastation. The fallout could spread across multiple states, affecting tens of millions of Americans in densely populated areas. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nuclear explosion would release radioactive materials that could remain hazardous for several weeks, contaminating water supplies, crops, and infrastructure. Lack of Preparation Two major state highways, essential routes between Toronto and areas to the east, run through the region. In the event of an attack, these highways would be shut down instantly. This would leave civilians in Durham with no way to evacuate and leave Toronto effectively trapped, unable to move eastward. The chaos that would ensue as people tried to escape would be unimaginable, especially without any formal evacuation or defense plans in place. Disturbingly, there is no clear, widely disseminated plan on what residents of Durham—or Canada in general—should do in case of a nuclear attack. In 2018, a survey by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) found that 60% of Canadians living near nuclear facilities were unaware of the emergency protocols in the event of a nuclear disaster. Despite the proximity to Pickering and Darlington, iodine pills—which help reduce radiation exposure—are not provided to all residents in the region, and most people are unaware they should have them on hand. When compared to the U.S., where citizens near nuclear plants are regularly given such pills and have access to clear emergency plans, Canada falls woefully short. Underfunded Military What makes this situation even more alarming is the state of our military defenses. Over the past decade, Canada’s military has been hollowed out, with the government neglecting to invest in necessary equipment, training, and defense infrastructure. The Liberal and NDP governments have spent vast amounts of taxpayer money on international causes while overlooking our military at home. Our soldiers are under-equipped, and our air and naval defenses are near non-existent compared to other global powers. We depend heavily on the United States for our defense, which leaves us vulnerable. If war were declared tomorrow, there are no guarantees that we could defend our own territory effectively, let alone coordinate with our allies. There is no visible military presence in Durham, and should a threat arise, we would be unprepared to protect critical assets like our nuclear plants. For a region so vital to the country’s energy grid and positioned near a major population center, this is a glaring failure of government. We should have air defenses and military personnel stationed in key locations, ready to respond in the event of an emergency. Yet, right now, nothing is in place to prevent or respond to a nuclear strike on our soil. Inadequate Healthcare Response Another critical issue is the lack of reliable infrastructure for evacuation. The roads leading north from Durham are few and far between, and in the event of a large-scale evacuation, the region would descend into chaos. Without proper routes and coordinated evacuation plans, people would be left to fend for themselves, with little hope of escape. In addition, our hospitals, already struggling with routine care, would be completely overwhelmed by an influx of radiation victims. If our healthcare system is barely coping now, how could it possibly handle the catastrophic fallout of a nuclear attack? According to a 2019 report by the Canadian Medical Association, hospitals in the Durham region are already operating at over 90% capacity, leaving very little room to accommodate mass casualties in the event of a disaster. In the worst-case scenario, a nuclear strike could result in thousands of injuries from both the blast and radiation exposure, pushing hospitals far beyond their limits. Medical professionals warn that the region’s healthcare infrastructure would collapse under the strain, leading to a humanitarian crisis on top of the physical devastation. The Government's Neglect The sad truth is that Canada is woefully unprepared for a nuclear disaster, and this is largely due to the government’s misplaced priorities. Over the last eight years, we have seen our military underfunded and neglected while the government focuses on external issues. Meanwhile, our soldiers lack even the most basic equipment, including proper winter gear. Recently, a scandal emerged in which our military was provided with sleeping bags that were entirely unsuitable for the harsh Canadian winter—this is the level of incompetence we’re dealing with. Heads should have rolled for this, but instead, the situation persists, and our armed forces continue to suffer. The government’s failure to invest in our defense infrastructure leaves all Canadians vulnerable, but especially those in critical areas like Durham. It’s not an exaggeration to say that lives are at risk. A nuclear attack, while perhaps unlikely, is not impossible. And when you consider the strategic importance of Durham and its nuclear plants, it becomes all the more concerning that no real defense measures are in place. At the end of the day, I’m not suggesting that nuclear war is inevitable. But I am saying that we are not even close to being prepared. And while our government continues to make excuses and divert funds to international causes, the reality is that Canadians—particularly those in Durham Region—are being left unprotected. This is not just a political issue; it’s a matter of national security. We need a government that prioritizes the safety of its people and invests in the military and emergency preparedness plans necessary to defend our country. The time to act is now, before it’s too late. We need to demand better from our leaders and ensure that, should the unthinkable happen, we have the resources and plans in place to protect our homes and families. The alternative is simply too grim to imagine.

THE LAST DOOR YOU OPEN

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - Picture this.... You are at home on Saturday, sitting around watching TV, doing what you normally do. Your family are all around you. Life is good. All a sudden you hear a ruckus outside. You shake it off as some sort of accident. Without much care you go about your day. Then out of no place. Your front door is breached. Men rush in to your house. Before you can get up from your chair. They have grabbed you and dragged you outside. Your family is in a panic. They get rushed out. You have no clue what is going on. You start to ask for explanations only to be roughed up. You look across your lawn to your neighbours property. They are all outside on their knees by force. You can hear women crying and calling for help. You witness your neighbours family shot right where the kneeled. They take your wife and daighter and proceed to rape them right in front of you. On your property. You can’t do a thing. After they rape them they shoot them. Then they come for you. What can you do? What will you do? If you answer is nothing. You are correct. It will be to late to do anything. They say it could never happen. This was the sentiment by many nations people. Unfortunately, for many victims of this type of new warfare. It was to late. We seen this in many world ward, civil wars, in history and in present day. Village, Towns, Cities attacked in the worst and most barbaric way. You must be wondering. Why am I bringig this up in this column, today? Great question. We live in a society that is primarily made of falsehoods. Our opinion ewe and flow freely without much challenge. This is where the evil lurks. Look at what is happening at the municipal level. A bunch of incompetents use policy, bylaw to persecute anyone that questions and challenges them. Those elected control access to the system. They control your speach and your behaviour in a public place. They go as far as attack citizens that are outspoken as in the case of Pickering councillor Lisa Robinson. A citizen make a complain before an integrity commissioner, only on the eleventh hour after the complaintants pleas wer found to show an infractiong by a city council member. The so called integrity commissioner finds the complainant in guilt and lets the councillor waslk without any disciplinary action. If we do not stand up now against this type of colusion through a coalition in the protection of their best interests.... Don’t wait for that door on the door. It will be to late. I make this correlation as the two examples shown are both injustices that due to procedure, policy written by those that supposed to be looking for our best interest. They failed us. Now, travel with me 20 years in the future. When those immigrants with foreign culture and religion infiltrate our municipal, Provincial and Federal governments and using our laws, our acts the mandate equality of incorporating their home countries laws, religions and culture. Who will come to liberate us. Who came to liberate the many that died in Israel. Or all the people killed daily in parts of Africa. All for trusting government. We must all stand tall today to assure that government works in the best interest of those that elected them in. What has happened to Lisa Robinson and Dean Hickey are knocks on a door you don’t want to open. As if you wait. You will one day will never have the opportunity to open that door. This may be the last door you open. Get involved. Demand justice and retribution.

Canada Federal Elections Rumor

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The House of Commons returned to work in a hectic and emotional atmosphere as the parties align themselves for a potential snap election, with the Conservatives being the most excited. Over the past year, the Liberal government has been racing against time, being on the defensive most of the time; undertaking damage control. If they do not correct the trend, Canada’s “Natural Governing Party” is on the brink of one of its most significant electoral defeats in history; probably worse than their defeat in 2011. However, most Canadians are not actively calling for an early election, and many are currently satisfied with the political maneuvering by the Bloc Québécois (BQ) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) to delay it. Canadians are more preoccupied with their everyday lives and less interested in an election, which might not bring anything new; just spend more of the taxpayers’ money. The Conservatives with Pierre Poilievre are ready to issue more non confidence motions but they have yet to present a compelling argument that the immediate election they are pushing for will result in a change in government. Political analysts often remind us of the uncertainty inherent in elections, citing the famous words of former British prime minister. Harold Wilson once said, “A week is a long time in politics,” These observations serve as a reminder that nothing in politics is ever guaranteed. For the last year, the Liberal polling numbers have been overwhelmingly bad—and consistently so, regardless of the Liberals’ attempts to reverse the tide. In addition to polling, political forecaster Philippe Fournier’s 338Canada model analysis gives the Conservatives if an election is called today a 99 percent probability of winning a majority government. Projections show a landslide victory: 219 seats for the Conservatives and just 69 for the Liberals. If these numbers hold, it will be a crushing defeat for Trudeau’s party. Recent electoral results provide further evidence of the Liberals’ precarious position. In the last three federal by-elections, the party lost previously secure Liberal strongholds. St. Paul’s in Toronto and LaSalle-Émard-Verdun in Quebec, both considered safe Liberal seats, slipped from their grasp. In Winnipeg’s Elmwood-Transcona, the party suffered a particularly humiliating defeat, finishing in fourth place with less than 5 percent of the vote.However, these are still by-elections and until an election is called, these presumptions are just speculation. Yet, despite these overwhelming odds, Trudeau remains steadfast in his decision to lead the Liberals into the next election. It almost seems like a political re-enactment of The Battle of Agincourt, fought between the French and the English on October 25, 1415; only one of many battles in the Hundred Year War. In the political analogy, this Hundred Year War is fought between the Liberals and Conservatives. Trudeau is positioning himself as a Liberal Henry V, who with less forces that the enemy has prepared to lead his Liberal Army to electoral victory, in a final effort to halt the Conservative onslaught. Well…, it might succeed, even though the outlook at the moment, seems bleak. October 2025 might see the day as did the Battle of Agincourt…… Many political observers point to a well-known rule in Canadian politics: after ten years in power, a party’s time is up. While this principle has some historical basis, it fails to capture the deeper undercurrents driving the present demand for change. Canadians are not just tired of the Trudeau Liberals; they are frustrated, even angry, as the polling numbers reflect. This growing dissatisfaction stems from the way the Liberal government has failed to communicate with voters, its persistent misalignment with their priorities, and lingering questions about the party’s trustworthiness and integrity. Furthermore, despite the significant advantages that Poilievre and the Conservatives have in this political climate, they have not yet capitalized on their lead. While the numbers are favourable, the Conservatives have failed to convincingly argue that an election is urgently needed. Positioning the campaign around specific policies, such as eliminating the carbon tax, an old slogan from 2011, no longer resonates strongly with voters. A more powerful message is needed, one, offering voters a clear path to a new government with new ideas and more oriented towards real life as Canadians see it. This inability of the Conservatives to provide certainty of real change was a major factor in Erin O’Toole’s defeat in the last federal election. Unfortunately, the trend seems to continue. Taking stock of the political entourage surrounding Pierre Poilievre, one can only shake one’s head, seeing the same old, same old, misguided and listless crew. Voters need a clear assurance that supporting the Conservatives will indeed bring about a positive change in government. The only choice available to the Conservatives is a clear a majority government, because they do not have any other political party with which to form an alliance. In conclusion we will have to wait and see how this battle of the political war of the roses will play out. The red rose against the blue rose. What is your take?

The start of construction for a Whitby hospice

Mayor Elizabeth Roy Today marks a significant milestone for Whitby with the announcement that construction is set to start on a project close to my heart and vital for our community—a much-needed hospice. Hospice Whitby - Roger Anderson House will allow those in our community with a palliative diagnosis to die with comfort, care, compassion, dignity, and privacy. Our region currently has one 10-bed hospice located in north Durham, while data shows 37 hospice beds are needed to support the needs of our growing community. As someone who worked in healthcare for more than 30 years, I believe deeply in the importance of end-of-life care. I have been involved with the Hospice Whitby project for many years and I am profoundly grateful to the many residents, businesses, corporations, and community organizations that have stepped up to support the capital campaign. I also want to acknowledge the Hospice Whitby board of directors, VON Durham Region Community Corporation as the owner and builder of the hospice, the Town of Whitby, which donated the land for the hospice, and the group of 16 developers that donated $2 million towards the capital campaign. Hospice Whitby represents the power of community and our collective desire to ensure everyone has access to compassionate end-of-life care.

PICKERING COUNCIL CONTINUES TO TARGET COUNCILLOR & RESIDENTS

Pickering City Council Unanimously Voted to Immediately Suspend Council Robinson’s Pay for 90 days. This is the 3rd pay suspension Mayor Kevin Ashe, Regional Councillors, Maurice Brenner, David Pickles, Linda Cook, and city councillors Shaheen Butt and Mara Nagy have unanimously forced on Councillor Robinson. The 1st was Sept 25th, 2023 for 30 days, the 2nd, October 23rd, 2023 for 60 days Why? Because, in spring of 2023 parents met with Councillor Robinson to present their numerous concerns regarding their children and asked for Robinson’s help. As a result of this meeting Councillor Robinson wrote three motions for discussion by council. In-order to bring a motion forward to council it must first be seconded, but unfortunately none of the other councillors wanted the motions brought forward. Apparently, this Pickering Council conducts your city business and concerns based on their personal opinions. The current concerns and issues of Pickering residents don’t matter when they are in conflict with councils opinions and therefore shouldn’t be discussed. They don’t want to hear you. Councilor Robinson continues to fight for the residents in spite of the attacks and bullying she receives from Mayor Ashe and the rest of council. It is disgusting to watch how the Mayor continually cuts off Robinson’s mike and the way he yells at her when she questions things being voted on or when defending the accusations made against her, what is he afraid of? Why don’t the other councillors ask questions? Why do they allow his behavior? How come the Mayor never treats men the way he treats Robinson and other women as we’ve seen. Regional Councillor Linda Cook attacked Robinson calling her behavior disgraceful to women when in fact it was and is shameful the way she, Regional Councillor Linda Cook, a woman, does nothing when Robinson was, and has been sexually harassed and is continually being bullied by these men. City Councilor Mara Nagy also sides with the abuse being directed at Councillor Robinson and try's to pile on more accusations saying that Robinson went to the AMO conference in Ottawa at taxpayers expense while failing to admit that all their trips here and abroad, that most of them have taken are paid by taxpayers while conveniently failing to mention that in these past two years Robinson has only taken this one business trip. Regional Councillor David Pickles brought the motion forward to bar you, the residents of Pickering from delegating to speaking on a subject of your concern which is not on the agenda unless you get 2/3rds of council to agree to allow you. Is that what he considers being working for the residents? We are aware of what Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner has been up to and done. And well, as for Shaheen Butt, as far as we see it appears he just does what ever the mayor wants. Council also voted against other Durham residents being allowed to delegate to subjects on the agendas or delegate on other concerns. Those residents do have an interest in what happens in Pickering as it affects Durham of which they are a part of. The Mayor Ashe and the CAO give “No Tress Pass Orders” to Pickering residents and others banning them from Public Buildings for a period of time, if they don’t like what the resident says or posts etc. Mayor Kevin Ashe posts and promotes many false things in his comments, yes he does, mostly because he can’t seem to read into or fully understand things, one for example is, Robinson’s statement a few months after having been twice deprived of her pay, “I felt like a Modern Day Slave” referencing the new Modern Day Slave Act passed May 3rd, 2023 which refers to forced labour and child labour. But Mayor Ashe uses Robinson’s statement to reference the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade of the 1860’s to in site hard feelings and anger in the black community. Don’t you wonder why a number of topics get passed with a 6-to-1 vote,? Is City Councillor Robinson the only one working in the residents interest? Who is the Mayor and other 5 members of council working for if it’s not for you the Pickering residents? Council is banning you from your involvement in your city. Time to be seen and show your support for Councilor Robinson as she is supporting you.

The #1 Skill I Look For When Hiring

By Nick Kossovan "Communication is one of the most important skills you require for a successful life." — Catherine Pulsifer, author. I'm one hundred percent in agreement with Pulsifer, which is why my evaluation of candidates begins with their writing skills. If a candidate's writing skills and verbal communication skills, which I'll assess when interviewing, aren't well above average, I'll pass on them regardless of their skills and experience. Why? Because business is fundamentally about getting other people to do things—getting employees to be productive, getting customers to buy your products or services, and getting vendors to agree to a counteroffer price. In business, as in life in general, you can't make anything happen without effective communication; this is especially true when job searching when your writing is often an employer's first impression of you. Think of all the writing you engage in during a job search (resumes, cover letters, emails, texts) and all your other writing (LinkedIn profile, as well as posts and comments, blogs, articles, tweets, etc.) employers will read when they Google you to determine if you're interview-worthy. With so much of our communication today taking place via writing (email, text, collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, ClickUp, WhatsApp and Rocket.Chat), the importance of proficient writing skills can't be overstated. When assessing a candidate's writing skills, you probably think I'm looking for grammar and spelling errors. Although error-free writing is important—it shows professionalism and attention to detail—it's not the primary reason I look at a candidate's writing skills. The way someone writes reveals how they think. • Clear writing = Clear thinking • Structured paragraphs = Structured mind • Impactful sentences = Impactful ideas Effective writing isn't about using sophisticated vocabulary. Hemingway demonstrated that deceptively simple, stripped-down prose can captivate readers. Effective writing takes intricate thoughts and presents them in a way that makes the reader think, "Damn! Why didn't I see it that way?" A good writer is a dead giveaway for a good thinker. More than ever, the business world needs "good thinkers." Therefore, when I come across a candidate who's a good writer, hence a good thinker, I know they’re likely to be able to write: • Emails that don't get deleted immediately and are responded to • Simple, concise, and unambiguous instructions • Pitches that are likely to get read • Social media content that stops thumbs • Human-sounding website copy • Persuasively, while attuned to the reader’s possible sensitivities Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: AI, which job seekers are using en masse. Earlier this year, I wrote that AI's ability to hyper-increase an employee's productivity—AI is still in its infancy; we've seen nothing yet—in certain professions, such as writing, sales and marketing, computer programming, office and admin, and customer service, makes it a "fewer employees needed" tool, which understandably greatly appeals to employers. In my opinion, the recent layoffs aren't related to the economy; they're due to employers adopting AI. Additionally, companies are trying to balance investing in AI with cost-cutting measures. CEOs who've previously said, "Our people are everything," have arguably created today's job market by obsessively focusing on AI to gain competitive advantages and reduce their largest expense, their payroll. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that most AI usage involves generating written content, content that's obvious to me, and likely to you as well, to have been written by AI. However, here's the twist: I don't particularly care. Why? Because the fundamental skill I'm looking for is the ability to organize thoughts and communicate effectively. What I care about is whether the candidate can take AI-generated content and transform it into something uniquely valuable. If they can, they're demonstrating the skills of being a good thinker and communicator. It's like being a great DJ; anyone can push play, but it takes skill to read a room and mix music that gets people pumped. Using AI requires prompting effectively, which requires good writing skills to write clear and precise instructions that guide the AI to produce desired outcomes. Prompting AI effectively requires understanding structure, flow and impact. You need to know how to shape raw information, such as milestones throughout your career when you achieved quantitative results, into a compelling narrative. So, what's the best way to gain and enhance your writing skills? As with any skill, you've got to work at it. Two rules guide my writing: • Use strong verbs and nouns instead of relying on adverbs, such as "She dashed to the store." instead of "She ran quickly to the store." or "He whispered to the child." instead of "He spoke softly to the child." • Avoid using long words when a shorter one will do, such as "use" instead of "utilize" or "ask" instead of "inquire." As attention spans get shorter, I aim for clarity, simplicity and, most importantly, brevity in my writing. Don't just string words together; learn to organize your thoughts, think critically, and communicate clearly. Solid writing skills will significantly set you apart from your competition, giving you an advantage in your job search and career. __________________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

Fake Populism is RealPolitik

by Thomas L. Knapp If there's a single global through line to the politics of the last decade, that through line is the continuing fight over something called, by both its supporters and opponents, "populism." Donald Trump (the US). Narendra Modi (India). Viktor Orban (Hungary). Giorgia Meloni (Italy). Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil). Boris Johnson (the United Kingdom). A cast of thousands, a few still enjoying their 15 minutes and then some, many others at least temporarily out of the limelight. The negative reactions, usually postured as defenses of "liberalism and democracy" against "illiberalism and authoritarianism," are just as plentiful and, in places, at least marginally as successful ... but not quite so big on cults of personality. Rather odd, don't you think? The "populists" pose as "the voice of the people" but center their efforts on backing individual leader figures, while their supposedly "elitist" opponents emphasize "the people" over particular representatives of same. In reality, both sides are fake versions of "populism." The core underlying claim of populism is this: There are two classes of people, the "exploitative elites" and the "righteous masses." That claim is true as far as it goes. The falsehood -- or, being generous, error -- is in identification of those two classes. Today's self-described populists identify the exploitative elites as those who either belong to, or pretend to support, particular easily scapegoated "out-groups" like racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual minorities. They identify the righteous masses as whoever falls for the scapegoating and flocks to Dear Leader's banner. Today's self-described anti-populists identify the exploitative elites as the populists, whom they also identify with easily scapegoated "out-groups," especially anyone who has more money than you. They identify the righteous masses as whoever falls for the scapegoating and flocks to the Leader Party's banner. In reality the two classes -- as identified in Charles Comte and Charles Dunoyer's "libertarian class theory" in the 19th century -- are the productive class (everyone who earns a living by producing and exchanging valuable goods and services -- the righteous masses) and the political class (the exploitative elite who use government to exercise power and parasitically rake off a portion of the wealth the righteous masses produce). Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as members of the US political class, have a lot more in common with each other than either has in common with the average American. Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, as members of India's political class, have a lot more in common with each other than either has in common with the average Indian. And so on, and so forth. So why the fake "populist" versus fake populist "anti-populist" posturing? Because it WORKS. Any given political class faction may be on top or in waiting to get back on top at any given time, but those factions cooperate to ensure that the productive class remains in thrall to their various schemes and scams. Politics is about power. Realpolitik is about acting to maintain power, moral and ethical considerations be damned. Real populism -- libertarianism -- rejects political power, not just one political class faction.

Takeout Meals Are Rarely Healthy

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Picking up an order of takeout food is a convenient way to get a meal without doing the cooking. Although there are more options all the time, even in the best of circumstances, meals-to-go have never been considered a nutritional boon. But with the changing lifestyles of each generation, a clear trend continues toward convenience. Sadly, convenience does not go hand in hand with mindfulness about healthy eating by either producers or consumers. With healthcare systems starved for resources to cover so much illness, everyone should be motivated to take a few steps towards better health. That means we need to have a closer look at those takeout menus. Tufts University reported on a large study involving 35,000 adults that found about 70 percent of fast-food meals and 50 percent of meals at full-service restaurants were “of poor dietary quality”. What’s worse? Only that “less that 0.1 percent – nearly none – were of all the restaurant meals consumed over the study period were of ideal quality.” What do the experts suggest considering this problem? One consistent message is, “Go for plants.” Plant food that can be eaten in its natural state is particularly good! Think fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Next best are plant foods that are minimally processed, meaning the food has been prepared for sale in a manner that does not fundamentally alter it. Like applesauce that has not been sweetened. Fresh and dried pasta qualify. Frozen vegetables. Milk and plain yogurt. Coffee too. Plant foods are rich in potassium, which amounts to another benefit. Potassium helps counter the effect of excessive sodium in other foods. Excessive dietary sodium is associated with high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. Today, most sodium that people consume comes from added salt during commercial food processing. Full-service restaurants and fast-food outlets are often using high amounts of salt. According to the Tufts report, a single full-service meal contained more than twice the daily limit recommendation of 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Keep in mind that sodium is often found in soups, bread, sauces, dressings, and processed meats, like frozen beef and sausage products. When eating in restaurants, ask if they have a low-sodium selection on the menu. If ordering a pizza, ask about a whole wheat crust option. And don’t be hesitant to enquire if you can swap French fries for a healthy fruit cup or cottage cheese. Few people have the fortitude to turn away from meats that have been processed by skilled craftspeople over centuries to taste perfection. Examples are pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and even deli meats like sliced turkey and ham. But these foods are linked to cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and premature death. Congratulations to those who can resist them. For the rest of us, we need to practice moderation. And practice it a little harder. Try to order sustainably harvested fish. Eat it baked, not fried. That goes for chicken too. Avoid breaded and deep fried chicken that is served with butter and sauces. But it’s difficult to limit calories when eating out. One study showed that meals in some restaurants, even without the drinks, appetizers, or desserts, contained more calories than recommended for an entire day for an average adult. Studies have also shown that when people are presented with more food than they require, they eat it. Human nature is hard to change. And restaurants are going to continue to serve unhealthy meals. So for your next meal out, divide the portions and put half in a takeaway container at the outset. Bon appétit, at a better bargain. 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

Man's Best Friend

from Wayne & Tamara My mother-in-law has lived with us four years. She baby-sits our son, 4, and takes him back and forth to school three days a week. She also helps getting our 8-year-old ready in the morning. We pay her for her services. She pays no rent or bills and buys no groceries. My problem is she has no motivation, no goals, and doesn't want anything in life. She has nothing of her own, nor does she want anything. I suggested a part-time job so she could have extra money and do something with her life. She doesn't want to. She is happy having nothing and doing nothing. It bothers me to come home from a long day at work and see her watching television day and night. If she weren't in my house it wouldn't matter, but I don't understand how she could be happy making $100 a week. My wife acts like she can't live without her mother and doesn't mind that we take care of her. All I want her to do is get out in the world, better herself, and maybe after she gets on her feet, help us out a little. All she does is watch the kids, and by that I mean they do anything they want except hurt themselves. When we get home from work, she has plenty of time to go to bingo or visit her friends. If she has time to do all that, why doesn't she have time to help herself? Stan Stan, your arguments contradict one another. In the opening of your letter you are concerned your mother-in-law is a recluse and possibly depressed. Then you are angry at supporting her. Finally you hope she can get out in the world and help you out. You go on to mention she has no life, but complain she has time for bingo and friends. What's the essence of what's going on? Having your mother-in-law live with you is like owning a dog. She plays with the kids, she's a drain on your income, and your wife is really attached to her. But you don't especially like dogs. If she was a working breed, it would be another matter. Do you think you can teach this old dog new tricks? Not likely. You can't change a lapdog into a working breed, and you can't turn your mother-in-law, at her age, into what you wish her to be. She could get a job and help you out. But she won't. Stop thinking that way. She's not her son-in-law's best friend.This issue could drive a wedge between you and your wife, but is it worth it? The only real power you have is the power to frame what you see. You won't get positive attention from your wife by focusing on her mother. But if you focus on your wife and children, can you see the benefits you will reap? Your mother-in-law is taking your focus from where it should be. If you can't stop focusing on her, you will be the one in the doghouse. Wayne & Tamara From The Heart In the name of love please do one thing for me, and I promise never to bother you again. If you publish the following letter in the newspaper, I would be most grateful. Dear Karen, This day, now and forever, I would tell you how I feel. I love you beyond all limits. I love you more than I can express. Never will I leave you. Never will there be anyone besides you. Always, Joseph Joseph, only one thing endures: love. In a famous poem Leigh Hunt wrote, "Jenny kissed me when we met, Jumping from the chair she sat in…. Say I'm weary, say I'm sad, Say that health and wealth have missed me, Say I'm growing old, but add, Jenny kissed me." Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

Fact Or Fiction

from Wayne & Tamara My husband ran away from home, cavorted with a younger woman he knew for three weeks, moved to another city, cashed in all his retirement money, and ended up in a psychiatric hospital in the rubber room. All this madness was diagnosed as bipolar disorder with psychosis. Recommendation: medication for life and the diligent care of a headshrinker. I have the urge to get even. I feel this was intentional even though the doctor tells me he was manic with impaired distorted thinking and delusions. He is responding well to medication. Have you any input from other people enduring affairs as a result of mental incompetence? Elise Elise, you are angry at your husband's betrayal, so it's perfectly normal to feel the urge to get even. But on a scale of one to 10, that response would be a zero. Having sex with another man, or doing something else to hurt your husband, only degrades you. If you cheat back on a cheater, all it does is vindicate them and what they have done. We suggest you look into the question of whether your husband has a mental illness. There are three areas to explore: firsthand accounts, specific advice about this disorder, and general advice for families. Let us suggest a book in each category. Kay Redfield Jamison, a psychologist, suffers from bipolar illness. In "An Unquiet Mind" she describes how wonderful the manic phase feels: you feel you can do anything, shyness vanishes, the right words and gestures are suddenly there. When she was manic, Jamison maxed out her credit cards and jumped from moving cars, but when her rage subsided, she fell into the blackest holes of the mind. In "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide" David Miklowitz offers specific advice to patients and their families, while “Understanding Mental Illness” by Carlin Barnes and Marketa Wills offers help in understanding your husband's bizarre behavior. They also explore that sense of injustice you feel. Decide for yourself if your husband's actions are the actions of someone genuinely ill. If you believe he is not ill, you can decide to leave. If you believe he is ill, you must decide how to manage his illness while protecting yourself. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

High-Dose Vitamin C and Lysine

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford It’s an uncommon gift to reach 100 years of age – and be healthy. But apart from good genes and good luck, there are steps you can take to increase your chances for healthy longevity. Long time readers will know what I’ve said over and over again. Too many people gain excessive weight, eat poorly, neglect exercise, and fall victim to other lifestyle problems. They experience chronic diseases too early in life, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. My message has been, to prevent the onset of heart disease, a top killer, high doses of vitamin C taken over the long term can make a difference. If you hear contrary views, ask about the dose. What doses are used in clinical trials? Peewee doses. And peewee doses of vitamin C won’t stop heart attacks. Here’s what you need to know. There are few nutrients as dynamic as high-dose vitamin C and lysine. While they are often praised individually, they have synergistic effects when combined. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has long been celebrated for its role in supporting a strong immune system and its potent antioxidant properties. It plays a pivotal role in collagen production, wound healing, and the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. But it is high-dose vitamin C that helps combat viral infections, reduce inflammation, and even improve cancer outcomes. Moreover, it serves as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Lysine is an essential amino acid important to protein synthesis and tissue repair. Our bodies cannot produce it, so we get it through diet or supplementation. Lysine and vitamin C work in tandem to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke. Atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries, is a significant contributor to heart disease. Lysine plays a pivotal role in preventing the buildup of arterial plaque, while vitamin C helps maintain blood vessel walls and repair damage. Dr. Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel laureate, championed this combination to combat cardiovascular disease. Two interviews with him convinced me to bet my life on vitamin C and lysine after my heart attack 27 years ago. Hopefully you won’t have to make that decision. But my experience is evidence that there is an alternative to statins. One of the most immediate and relatable benefits of high-dose vitamin C and Lysine is their ability to ward off the common cold. The combination of these two nutrients can reduce the severity and duration of colds. Their immune-enhancing properties bolster the body's defense mechanisms, making it more resilient against viral invaders. When taken regularly, colds are infrequent. Environmental toxins and stressors mean chronic inflammation and oxidative damage. High-dose vitamin C and lysine act as a potent antioxidant shield, neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation. This protective effect extends to conditions like arthritis, where inflammation and joint damage are prominent features. When used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and appropriate medical treatment, this duo can offer relief to those suffering from chronic joint pain. While high-dose vitamin C should not be considered a standalone treatment for cancer, it has shown promise as an adjunctive therapy. Intravenous vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs while reducing their side effects. Furthermore, the combination of high-dose vitamin C and lysine can boost the body's resilience during cancer treatment by mitigating the weakening effects of chemotherapy and radiation, allowing patients to better tolerate their treatments. Final message. If it’s your intention to supplement with vitamin C and lysine for only a few months, it won’t work. It is a lifetime habit you need to follow. 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