Society’s future is based upon a false economy

and public debt that hangs over us like the sword of Damocles. Our eyes are wide shut, and our ears covered by the headphones we paid $350.00 for with our credit cards. Like the three monkeys of old, not hearing, seeing or speaking about DEBT.

Nations whose populations live in poverty, and 2nd-3rd nation status nations trying to build their economies so they can live the Kardashian lives, like the “national Jones” of the west and east alike. National politics disallow politicians from considering their budgets and debt levels. It’s all about staying in power, so spending must continue so that their allies, supporters in the middle-upper classes, continue to support them.

Our personal lives present people with two things in their hands: electronic devices and credit cards. Since one’s feelings have become so important during these difficult days, denying oneself is often never an issue, unless credit limits have been reached. Credit denial, and interest rate increases follow. We use credit cards to pay for gas, so we can go to work, providing an income that will dwindle as one’s bills are partially paid for, never paying all. Things will be better next month, you tell yourself.

Our need for personal emotional uplifting allows us to continue to pay less cash, more credit. Not that many people save their income. Society’s future is based upon a false economy where most things are paid for with borrowed money.

What will happen when the credit roller coaster stops abruptly? Perhaps recession and possible national or international depression?

When will governments return to balanced budgets? Can private citizens receive a high school economics lesson regarding personal budgets, and how to save for a rainy day?

Power in relation to finance is a full scope issue. So long as we have the power to choose for others, or ourselves regarding finances both governments and private individuals are in peril, especially if both public and private sectors show no accountability or transparency regarding what, why and how much is spent on our behalf.

How to maintain friendships (even when you’re apart)

If you’re unable to see your friends in person, either because you live in different places or you need to keep your distance during the pandemic, there are plenty of ways to ensure they remain close.

Connect with them

Thanks to technology, it’s easy to keep in touch with your friends. You can chat on the phone, exchange text messages, hop

If you have a teenager, they likely spend time on social networking sites like Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. But do they know the risks? While social media networks help kids keep in touch with friends, it can also expose them to people who intend to hurt them.

From cyberbullying to sextortion and data breaches to inappropriate content, there’s a lot to be wary of on the on a video call or play games together online. If you want to do something special, consider mailing your friend a handwritten letter and including a few photos of the two of you.

Show that you care

Even if you can’t see each other in person, or as often as you’d like, there are things you can do to maintain strong friendships.

In particular, doing the following will let your friends know you va¬lue them:

• Spend distraction-free time with them

• Communicate openly and listen deeply

• Provide encouragement

• Ask for feedback

• Set and respect boundaries

Social media: tips to keep your teen safe

internet. That’s why it’s important to talk to your teen about how to use social media safely and respon¬sibly. Here are a few ground rules you should es¬tablish:

• Don’t share personal information like your address, phone number or date of birth

• Don’t post photos or videos of another person on social media without their consent

• Don’t go alone (or without an adult) to meet someone you meet online

• Don’t send intimate pictures of yourself to anyone, even if you trust the person

Remind your teen that once words and photos are shared online, they may be impossible to delete and easily misused. Even if a post doesn’t seem like a problem now, many employers use social media to

• Express your appreciation

• Resolve disagreements and apologize if feelings are hurt

• Offer your help when needed

• Be honest but kind screen candidates. Explain to your teen that they could miss out on their future dream job because of an inappropriate comment or video they post today.

Remember, it’s important to cherish your friends. They’ll be there to support you through the hard times and make the good times more meaningful.

Finally, here’s a tip to help reinforce the notion with your teen that anyone can see what they post online. Before they send or share anything on social media, encourage your teen to ask themself this question: “Would I feel comfortable if my teacher or grandmother saw this?”

Simone Smith

simone@carib101.com HUMAN

SPECIALIST

I will never forget the first time that I met M. He had asked me to meet him at a gym that he was training at down in the North York area. I remember being excited getting ready to go down there. I wasn’t sure why, but when I looked at the picture on LinkedIn, I was quickly made aware.

That skin… Those lips… Famous last words; shake my head.

When I arrived at the gym, I parked the car, and gave him a call as he had instructed. “I’m here!”

“Amazing! I am coming out to get you. Are you dressed to work out?”

It wasn’t until right then that I realized that he had an accent. Was he American? Something about the slight twang in his voice made me nostalgic.

“I am dressed. I am coming in. Do I have to say anything to the person at the front desk?”

“Nah! I am coming out to get you.” I turned off the car and grabbed my gym bag. Naturally, I had put on my tightest pair of tights, and one of my favourite crop tops. Not exactly a workout outfit, but I had no problem getting sweaty in this.

I made my way towards the door, opened it up, and stepped inside. The gym was buzzing with noise; weights clanging, music playing, people chatting loudly. I looked around for M, but didn’t see him.

“Hey Simone!” I turned around and standing in front of me was that handsome face, the beautiful skin, and those big, beautiful lips, on the shortest man I had ever seen. I tried not to make a face, but I don’t know if I held my surprise. The picture on LinkedIn must have been taken from a low angle, because he did not look short in the picture. He could not be more than 4’2. He actually was 4’2. Imagine how