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George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

The Fine Print Nobody Reads

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

I caught something on the news the other morning, just after the weather. They were talking about a new system called Open Banking. It’s meant to give folks the ability to share their financial information with companies outside their bank. That way, you could see all your accounts in one place, manage your money through different apps, maybe even build credit just by paying your rent on time.

Sounds like a good deal at first. But the more I listened, the more it felt like there was something beneath the surface.

Turns out the government passed part of the law to get it rolling, but the rest … the part that sets the rules and says who’s watching over it well, it’s still missing. Nothing’s clear yet. Then after the election, they stopped mentioning it altogether. It wasn’t in the party platform, and the spring budget didn’t touch it either.

When something that big gets quiet all of a sudden, I start to wonder why.

They’re calling it “consumer-driven banking,” but I don’t see anyone asking the consumers what they think. Meanwhile, private tech companies are ready and waiting. Once your financial data is in their hands, there’s no getting it back. They say it’s secure. They say it helps, but here’s the thing, most people don’t read the fine print these days, and that’s where the trouble begins.

It’s not that the idea is bad, and it might work, for some. But when the people pushing it aren’t talking straight, and the rules aren’t nailed down, you’ve got to ask who’s really set to gain.

So if you hear about it too, maybe take a second look. Because once that door opens, it might not be you holding the handle.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only, Old Days, Old Ways

Coffee, Corporations, and What We Lost

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

You know I’ve had coffee in many places over the years, truck stops, fishing/hunting camps, along with old general stores with a pot sitting on a hot plate by the till. Places where folks sat, talked, and shared a laugh or a worry. That was the kind of coffee shop I knew and grew up with. And I should mention that I didn’t go there just for the coffee either, well I did, as they sure made it mighty tasty back then, some even added a touch of Chicory. But I also went for the company, the steady routine, and maybe a doughnut that didn’t look like it was made in a hurry by a machine, or leave a taste in your mouth for hours after eating it.

But I’ve been watching what’s happened to our small Ma and Pa coffee shops, and I don’t like the turn it’s taken. We used to have local spots that stayed open for years, even decades. Then along came the big chains. At first, they seemed alright. Canadian Branding, warm colours, friendly ads. But here is the thing, over time they started replacing the little shops one by one quietly. They Just moved in, and the others couldn’t compete. Lower prices and faster service did the trick.

Another thing I noticed is that coffee today doesn’t taste the same. Oh, my wife and I, we’ve bought bags at the grocery stores, probably more than we should have, but what I found was that you never know what you’re going to get. One bag tastes alright and the next is flat, bitter or just plain dull. Makes me think they are not picking for quality anymore, just for what is cheapest that week. It does not matter if it is from halfway across the world, or grown under poor conditions. As long as it is cheap… it’s in the bag.

Then there is the seating. Years ago, you could sit down with a buddy and take your time, but now they are tearing out the chairs and downsizing the space, telling folks it’s all about efficiency. The truth is, they do not want you hanging around. Less space, means fewer people to clean and less staff to pay and a quicker turnover. Get your drink and get out. That is the new model, and it does not matter if it kills the spirit of the place.

Another thing is, the donuts are smaller than they used to be, no question. Same price less product. It’s what they call… shrinkflation and another quiet trick they do not talk about.

I am also starting to wonder what is in all this stuff. With everything we are learning about PFAS, those forever chemicals showing up in cups lids and wrappers, who is to say we are not getting a dose with every hot drink or baked good? Nobody is out here testing that cup you are handed, and when a company is more focused on saving money than serving people, health usually takes a back seat.

Here is the last bit that makes me think, and in not a good way. One of the largest coffee shops in Canada isn’t even truly Canadian anymore. The branding still plays that tune, sure. Maple leaves on the cups, smiling faces in the ads. But most of the ownership now sits outside the country. Decisions are not being made for Canadians, or by them. They are being made in boardrooms somewhere else by folks who have likely never stepped into a small-town coffee shop in their life. The money leaves the country… just as fast as it comes in.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open and Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only, Old Days, Old Ways

Time to Get Back to What Matters

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

So here’s the thing. I read in the paper today, that wine imports from the U.S. are way down, about 94 percent, according to the LCBO. Hard to believe. Anyway, some folks might not think much of that, but to an old feller like me, who used to grow grapes and sell them to folks right here in Canada, who turned them into wine, it says a lot about the direction we’re heading.

But in saying that, maybe that drop isn’t such a bad thing, not if it gives folks a reason to start buying the wine made in our own backyards. The thing is, we’ve got farmers across this country working the land, tending vineyards, and keeping small wineries alive, and that kind of effort deserves more than just a nod. When you pick up a bottle that was grown and made right here at home, you’re not just getting something good to drink, you’re keeping fields in use, putting money in a neighbour’s pocket, and helping this country hold on to something real.

I spent a good portion of my life farming, building, and raising a family through years that taught you to stand on your own feet and lean on each other, when you had to. Back then, we didn’t need to look far for what we needed. What we used was built close to home, grown by someone you knew, and it lasted because pride went into making it. But…somewhere along the way, we gave that up for convenience, and now our shelves are full of goods made in places that don’t hold to the same values or standards. That’s not progress, that’s a problem.

If we want to turn this around, we need to get back to basics, and it starts with how we buy and who we support.

First, we should be choosing Canadian whenever we can, food, wine, tools, lumber, whatever it is. If we can grow it or make it here, that’s what we ought to be reaching for.

Second, when we do need something from outside, it should come from folks who still care about what they’re making, who put in the work to get it right, and who take pride in sending out something that lasts.

Third, we’ve got to think more carefully about the kind of people we’re welcoming in to help build this country. It shouldn’t be about where someone comes from, but about what they bring to the table … good trades, real skills, and a desire to make this place stronger, not just benefit from what’s already here.

We’ve been through tough times before, and we pulled through by sticking together, making do, and standing behind our own. There’s no reason we can’t do that again. The answers aren’t fancy or complicated. They’re plain as day. Support the people around you. Buy what’s built to last. And take pride in what we can still do with our own two hands, right here at home.


Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, Health, My Opinion Only

Cholesterol What it means

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Only on The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

You know, somewhere along the line, cholesterol got painted as the villain. Turn on the TV or open a magazine, and you would think it is the root of all evil, blamed for heart attacks, strokes, and everything in between. But the more I have looked into it, and the more I have listened to folks who are not just pushing pills or fear, the more I have come to believe there is no such thing as bad cholesterol or good cholesterol. There is just cholesterol, and we need it.

I learned this the hard way. Years ago, I was told things would only get better if I started taking one of those cholesterol-lowering drugs. At the time, I believed what they told me. “Precautionary measures, George, it’s in your best interest.” But was it?

Now in saying that, it did lower my cholesterol, that much was true, but not without a cost. After a short while, every bone in my body ached. I could not even lift my arms over my head. That pain was constant, so I started looking into it myself and sure enough, all those symptoms I was feeling were listed right there as side effects of the drug I was on. Once I saw that, I spoke with my doctor, and he said it was up to me if I wanted to stop. That was all I needed to hear. I took myself off the drug and, little by little, things started to get better.

What sticks with me most from that time is how, right from the beginning, something deep inside me told me it was wrong. My gut, my body, and my mind were trying to warn me. And still, I pushed those feelings aside and trusted what I was told. Looking back, I know now I should have listened to myself. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to learn from some pretty sharp and insightful people since then. These days, I listen to the instructions that come from within, and I don’t question them.

With cholesterol still on my mind, I asked myself what I could do to really support my health. That is when I learned that cholesterol is the raw material the body uses, with the help of sunshine on our skin, to make vitamin D. That made sense to me. So I decided to do what felt right. I started getting outside more, soaking up the sunshine, staying active, and feeding my body the best food I could find. I let Nature take the lead. And it worked.

I was not always sure how to explain this clearly to others. I had started to write something myself, but then a friend of mine, a smart doctor who does not follow the crowd, sent me an article he wrote. After reading it, I thought this says it better than I ever could. So I asked if I could include it in one of my books. He agreed without hesitation.

What Allan wrote made sense to me, and I think it might to you too. It is written in plain English, and it does not try to sell you anything. It just lays out the truth as he sees it, and I happen to agree with him.

So here it is, from Allan himself. Have a read, and next time someone tells you to fear your cholesterol, maybe give this another look and think it over for yourself.

“Bad” Cholesterol: The Unknown Heart Healer
by Allan Lawry
Originally published in HANS e-News,

If you think that “bad” or “high” cholesterol contributes to heart disease, you have been deceived by those marketing a mythical disease.

The so-called “bad” or LDL cholesterol is actually part of a natural healing process designed for repairing damaged arteries in your body. This damage is usually caused by inflammation and oxidation. Oxidation causes nicks and cuts on the inside walls of the arteries and leads to inflammation, much like a cut on the outside of your skin. This then sets into motion the body’s healing process. LDL cholesterol has many roles, and one of them is to help heal by forming a waxy “scab” over these cuts. That scab, often called plaque, protects the arterial wall and gives it time to heal from within, while still allowing blood to flow.

It is up to us to supply our bodies with the right ingredients for healing and to build healthy arteries that last a lifetime.

The myths about cholesterol need to be cleared up. Many studies show that people with high cholesterol live longer and suffer fewer heart problems than those with low cholesterol. Other research shows that eating fatty foods high in cholesterol has little or no effect on blood cholesterol levels.

As Dr. Ron Rosedale puts it, “There is only one cholesterol. There is no such thing as good or bad cholesterol.” LDL and HDL are not cholesterol, they are lipoproteins — transport vehicles for cholesterol, which the body needs.

Years ago, mainstream medicine noticed that people with heart disease had higher LDL levels. From that, they guessed that LDL must be the problem. But what they missed was that LDL shows up to patch the damage. It is the body’s attempt to heal, not harm.

It has since come to light that some of the researchers pushing to lower LDL were funded by the same companies making cholesterol-lowering drugs. In fact, over the past few decades, the so-called “safe” cholesterol levels have been lowered several times, not based on new science, but based on the financial interest of drugmakers.

Dr. Uffe Ravnskov, a respected cholesterol researcher, was once asked if lowering cholesterol through diet, drugs, or therapy made sense. He answered, “Absolutely not. This kind of treatment is meaningless, costly, and has transformed millions of healthy people into patients.”

Statins — the most common class of cholesterol-lowering drugs — have become a $29 billion global industry. They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol. But lowering cholesterol this way goes against what years of research now shows. It is not in your best interest to lower your cholesterol.

Cholesterol is essential for life. It helps transport fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. It supports the brain, builds hormones, and plays a key role in the immune system and healing.

If you want to protect yourself from cardiovascular disease, the focus should be on lowering inflammation and oxidation. This means avoiding refined carbs, processed oils, and artificial sweeteners. Instead, eat natural foods, get regular exercise, spend time outdoors, and get plenty of sunshine for natural vitamin D. You can also ask your doctor to test for inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, homocysteine, insulin, and blood acidity.

Research shows the fats we should be avoiding are not from eggs or butter, but from processed and overheated oils — margarine, vegetable oils, trans fats, and anything fried. These oxidized fats create free radicals in the body, which lead to inflammation, oxidation, and eventually, damage to the arteries. That is the real cause of heart disease.

So the next time you hear an ad telling you to lower your cholesterol, take a step back and think about who is really benefiting. Your health is more important than their marketing.

I wish you all the best in your search for better health.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, Health, My Opinion Only

Maybe It’s Time We Got Back to the Old Way of Living

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Only on The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.


By GW

It really does make you wonder, doesn’t it? All this modern medicine, all these pills for everything under the sun, and yet more folks seem sick and tired than ever before. If you ask me, maybe we’re not missing some miracle cure. Maybe we just forgot how to live with nature instead of trying to outrun it.

Back when I was younger, and definitely in my parents’ time here in Ontario, we didn’t run off to the doctor for every little thing. Truth is, most folks couldn’t even afford to if they wanted to. You got a cut, you cleaned it. Got a cold, you rested. There were broths and teas, homemade salves, and a whole lot of common sense. It wasn’t perfect, no, but folks were stronger, and they sure didn’t depend on pills to get through the day.

Now it feels like the first thing we do is reach for medicine. You’ve got an ache, there’s a pill for that. Can’t sleep, there’s another one. And then there’s the pill to handle the side effects from the first two. It just keeps going.

Now, I’m not saying all medicine is bad. There’s good stuff out there that has helped a lot of people. But it’s gotten out of hand. You know, our bodies know how to heal if we let it. The thing is it just needs time, rest, and the right fuel. Instead, we throw chemicals at every symptom and wonder why we’re still not feeling right.

And it’s not just the medicine. These days, we scrub everything down with disinfectants, trying to kill off every last germ. We’ve got soaps, sprays, hand gels, even wipes for wiping the wipes. Some folks won’t even touch a doorknob without a tissue. But our bodies were never meant to be kept in a bubble. A bit of dirt never hurt, in fact, it helped build our strength. Over-cleaning everything, especially our skin and homes, throws off our natural balance. The same goes for what we’re using on the land. You drive down the road and smell the sprays drifting through the air, weed killers, bug killers, brush control. It’s everywhere. And it’s not just outside. Those chemicals get into our food, our water, and into us.

The worst part is, nobody’s asking what caused the problem in the first place anymore. It’s all about covering it up, masking it, keeping the machine running. But our bodies aren’t machines. They’re living systems. And like any good system, if you overwhelm it long enough, it will start to break down.

I really believe we’d be better off if we brought some of the old ways back. Growing your own food, eating what’s in season, moving your body every day. Not at a gym, but doing something real. Getting outside, chopping wood, walking fence lines, or just being part of the land. Sleeping when you’re tired. Letting your immune system do what it was built to do without stepping in to stop it at every turn. Getting out in the sun for Vitamin D3, very important, And giving your body the space to sort itself out now and then.

It’s not complicated. It’s just honest, and it’s the way folks lived for generations before all this modern noise/medicine showed up.

So maybe it’s time to slow down. Pay attention to what we’re eating, what we’re thinking, and what we’re trusting to heal us. Not everything needs a label or a prescription. Sometimes, what we need most is already right here, in the soil, in the kitchen, or just in giving ourselves a little more care, the way the old folks did.

Just something that’s been on my mind.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Who’s Really Owning Canada Now?

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Only On The Walters Post

Just a heads-up — these are my own thoughts based on what I’ve seen and experienced. I’m sharing them to get people thinking and talking, not to say I’ve got all the answers.

There’s something going on across this country that more people need to start paying attention to. It’s been happening quietly, without much fuss or fanfare, but it’s changing the landscape of Canada in a way that should concern every one of us. Foreign money, and a lot of it, is buying up this country … not just a little here and there, but in large, sweeping ways that reach into our towns, our cities, and even our farmland.

Over the past few decades, wealthy investors and corporations from overseas have been pouring their money into Canada. They’re not just buying vacation homes or the odd condo. They’re buying major retail chains, malls, commercial buildings, and farmland. Many of them have built their fortunes far away, often in industries that would never pass the smell test here, and now they’re shifting that wealth into Canadian soil and Canadian infrastructure.

They come in quietly, usually through numbered companies or shell corporations set up right here at home, which means most of the time, you won’t even know it’s foreign-owned. But if you follow the money trail, you’ll often find it ends up overseas. What looks like a Canadian business might just be a holding tank for foreign investors, with profits flowing right out of the country.

Farmland is one of the big targets. In some provinces, there are laws that claim to limit foreign ownership, but in practice those rules are full of holes. Land can be bought under different names or through local partners, and once it’s purchased, there’s no guarantee it will be farmed properly or cared for by people who live on it. What was once a working family farm might now be a silent investment for someone who has never stepped foot on Canadian soil.

The real estate situation is just as troubling. Housing prices have gone through the roof in places across the country, and young Canadians are being pushed out of the markets they grew up in. Homes are being snapped up not as places to live, but as investments to park money. Some sits empty for months or even years. Meanwhile, families are struggling to find decent places to rent, let alone buy.

The same thing is happening in retail. Iconic Canadian brands that used to anchor our communities have been sold off, dismantled, or replaced by new operations funded with foreign capital. These businesses might set up shop in our towns, but they don’t build lasting relationships with the people living there. They fill their shelves with imported goods, keep wages low, and design stores for speed, not for connection or community. It becomes less about serving the neighbourhood and more about owning square footage and extracting whatever profit they can.

I want to be clear that this isn’t about pointing fingers at people who come to Canada to build a better life. Immigration has shaped this country and should continue to do so. But what I’m talking about here isn’t about people … it’s about power. And that power is being quietly handed over to foreign interests who are not here to live with us, but to profit from us. That’s not immigration. That’s ownership.

We’ve let it happen because our laws allow it. Our politicians avoid the topic because it makes them uncomfortable or costs them votes. The media rarely digs into it because it’s not flashy enough for headlines, or it risks offending major advertisers. So it continues in the background, quietly changing who owns what, and who controls the future of this country.

If we don’t speak up and take a hard look at where things are headed, we might soon find ourselves as guests in our own backyard. And once we give up ownership, it’s very hard to get it back.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

A Few Thoughts on Selling a Home in the North

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Living up north, you really learn to see things differently, and that includes what makes a home special. Folks often dream of a lakefront spot, and sure, those can be mighty pretty. But I’ve learned the real gems up here aren’t always right by the water. Sometimes, the best places, the ones that truly fill you with peace, are tucked away a bit further in, where it’s just you and the quiet.

When I talk about a well-kept home with a bit of land and some calm, I’m talking about a feeling, not just a location. It’s about having your own space, where the wind in the trees becomes your music and the stars shine so bright it feels like you could reach out and touch them. And the best part is, you can often find these spots just a short walk from the lake. Being close by means you still get that peace at home, and you can wander down for a paddle, a dip, or to catch the sunset whenever the mood strikes. It’s the best of both worlds. You have your own quiet haven, and the water is never far away.

I’ve been around these parts for a good number of years, and I’ve seen how the home market moves. What stands out is how steady some places are. It’s not just about what the headlines say, whether prices are rising or falling. It’s about finding that place that feels like it was made for you. A home that’s been cared for, with space to breathe and the kind of quiet you only find up here, is worth something. Always has been.

In our neck of the woods, that kind of peace has never gone out of style. And it seems to me the north follows its own rhythm when it comes to what makes a good home. Whether it’s perched above a lake or nestled in a quiet clearing just a walkaway, the true value lies in how it makes you feel.

Until the next time,
Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Why Does Quebec Get All the Juice?

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By GW

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

June 12, 2025

So here’s the thing. Every time I turn around, there’s another big, shiny energy announcement coming out of Quebec. A new deal. A fresh agreement. Millions, sometimes even billions, changing hands. This time, it’s Newfoundland and Labrador shaking hands with Hydro-Québec, working out what they call a “genuine partnership” over Churchill Falls and new hydro projects up in Labrador. And the rest of us are left wondering, how come Ontario and the western provinces aren’t part of these kinds of headlines?

It’s not like we don’t have the rivers. It’s not like we lack the brains or the hands to do the work. So why does it always seem like the money and the power, both kinds, flow east and stop at Quebec?

Let’s back up a bit.

Decades ago, Quebec made a major push into hydroelectric development. In the 60s and 70s, they built an empire of dams and transmission lines through James Bay, often at great cost to Indigenous communities and untouched wilderness. But it gave them something nobody else had at the time, energy independence, and a whole lot of export power. Today, Hydro-Québec is one of the largest hydroelectric utilities in the world. They sell clean energy to the northeastern United States, and they use those profits to fund more projects, more infrastructure, and more influence.

Meanwhile, Ontario shut down coal, which was the right call for the environment, but instead of building new public hydro projects, we chased private energy contracts. A little wind here, some solar there, a few natural gas plants, and all the while our electricity bills kept climbing. So…where was the long-term plan? Where were the made-in-Ontario projects that could feed our own grid, and put money back into our communities?

And out west? Alberta has oil and gas, sure, but even there, the rivers are waiting. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia all have hydro potential. Manitoba Hydro does sell some power to the States, but you don’t hear about billion-dollar deals or sweeping national partnerships coming out of there. You don’t hear about Ottawa investing the same way it does in Quebec.

And that’s the heart of it, federal funding.

Ottawa has a long history of putting big money behind Quebec’s energy projects. They call it nation-building or climate action or green infrastructure, but somehow the dollars keep flowing in one direction. It’s not that Quebec doesn’t deserve support. They’ve done the work. But so have we, and we’re still waiting for equal footing.

So if you’re sitting and asking why your province isn’t getting its fair share of clean energy investment, you’re not imagining things. It’s a mix of political priorities, historical ties, and where the spotlight tends to land.

But here’s something I’ve learned from a lifetime on the land: if you wait around for someone else to hand you a solution, you’ll be waiting a long time. Maybe it’s time Ontario and the western provinces stopped waiting. Maybe it’s time we built our own energy future, in our own way, with our own people, on our own land. We’ve got the water. We’ve got the know-how. Now we need the will, and a government that looks past the St. Lawrence.

Until the next time,
Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

The Upside of Tariffs For us In Canada

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Only On The Walters Post

By GW

You know, I’ve been saying for a while now that these tariffs, while they might seem like a bumpy road at first, could actually be a good thing for us here in Canada. And reading about a Canadian metal company, it feels like a real “aha!” moment. Here’s a business, sixty years in the making, worried about the impact of these heavy U.S. tariffs, only to find their sales actually climbing. The sales manager really hit the nail on the head when he said, “It’s been good for us. In fact, we have seen an increase, an uptick in builders wanting to use our Canadian metal buildings.” That’s the kind of silver lining you hope for, isn’t it?

It just makes sense, too, when you think about it. We’re loaded with resources, and steel is definitely one of them. As the sales manager points out, why would we buy it from another country after it’s been processed there and shipped back, when we can get it right from our own backyard? That’s not just good for this one company, it’s good for the whole Canadian steel industry. It’s about bringing things back home, supporting our own, and building a stronger foundation from within.

Now, I hear what the president of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction is saying, and there’s no denying that tariffs can create a lot of uncertainty and challenges for some. Losing a major market is a big deal, and jobs are always at the forefront of everyone’s mind. But there’s also something to be said for the push it gives us to look inward, to innovate, and to truly become more self-sufficient.

To me, this is exactly what’s needed for a healthy country. It’s about taking those challenges and making some good, strong Canadian lemonade. When we rely more on ourselves, our own resources, and our own ingenuity, that’s when we truly thrive. It’s a chance to strengthen our own supply chains and create opportunities right here at home.

It just goes to show, sometimes the difficulties we face are the very things that push us to find new and better ways of doing things. And for us, it might just be the push we needed to become even more resilient and independent.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive! GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

When a Nation/Country Loses Its Balance

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Only On The Walters Post

By GW

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

I was reading today about the U.S. Marines getting ready again to deploy in Los Angeles, all because protests and riots are breaking out across the country. The thing is, you can spin that any way you want, but here’s how I see it.

So…when you bring in too many people, from too many different backgrounds, all at once, without a real plan to help them settle, and truly become part of the country, you’re asking for trouble. And I don’t care how unpopular that sounds. It’s not about race, it’s about human nature.

People are no different, in many ways, than animals. Years ago, anyone who kept animals knew better than to toss a bunch of different breeds into one pen, and expect peace. You’d have chaos, fights over territory, over food, and more so…over who’s in charge. That’s just what happens when instincts clash and there’s no clear structure.

Now look at the U.S. people are angry and divided, and it’s not always the folks who were born and raised there causing the damage, at the moment I think it’s those carrying deep-rooted grievances, folks who never really became part of the whole in the first place.

And…. if we’re not careful here in Canada, we’ll be heading down that same road. I’m not saying we shouldn’t help people or open our doors, but we’ve got to be smart about it. “You can’t just keep pouring water into a cup that’s already full.“

This isn’t just about “protests.” It’s about a country losing its balance. And once that balance tips too far, it’s hard to steady things again.

I’ve lived long enough to know that harmony doesn’t just happen, it’s something you have to work at, and protect, or you lose it. Which is the way things are turning out now in the USA. Get ready Canada!!!.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

The Elon-Trump Tango: More of a Muddle Than a Meltdown?

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Well now, that whole public dust-up between Elon Musk and President Trump has settled, I kinda think that this wasn’t a full-blown fight. It looked more like two powerful men with strong opinions getting their wires crossed. It felt like neither one was quite sure what they wanted from the other, and things just got a little messy.

And once the dust settles and they each have time to cool off and think it through, I wouldn’t be surprised if they come to some kind of understanding. Maybe they won’t be as close as they once were, but I can still see them staying on speaking terms, maybe even crossing paths again when it suits them.

Just think about it. Elon lives and breathes science, always pushing limits with Tesla and SpaceX. Trump’s a dealmaker who built his name in business and knows how to work a crowd. Both are billionaires. Both are sharp in their own way. When minds like that meet, even if they don’t always get along, things tend to happen. And more often than not, something gets done.

And truth be told, we’re going to need minds like Elon’s in the years ahead. The world isn’t standing still. Technology’s racing ahead, the planet’s feeling the strain, and whether we like to think about it or not, there may come a time when we need real ways off this Earth. That’s not science fiction anymore, and the good news is it’s something folks like him are actually working on, and truth told; we’ll be glad someone had the vision and the courage to build the ship before we needed it.

It’ll be worth watching what comes out of this next round.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

When the Town Calls… but It Ain’t the Town

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Only On The Walters Post


These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

The other day, the phone rang here at home, nothing unusual about that, except the call display read Port Loring, Ontario. Now, folks around here will know, Port Loring’s not exactly teeming with people, and I can just about name everyone who’d likely be calling, and this wasn’t one of them.

Still, curiosity had me, so I let it go to voicemail first. Sure enough, it was one of those scam recordings:
“Someone has made a $700 purchase on your account. We’ve put it on hold. To fix this, press one.”

Right then I knew it was a scam.

But here’s the part that gets me. They’d spoofed a local number, making it look like this call was coming from right here in our little town. That’s the trick these scammers are using now. They know we’re more likely to trust a local call, and maybe pick up out of habit.

Truth is, they can make any number show up on your phone, whether they’re sitting in a basement in another country, or running a scam mill somewhere else. It’s all automated. The town name showing on your screen doesn’t mean the call came from here, or that your phone line’s been hacked.

Now here’s the real danger: if you do press one, or talk to whoever they transfer you to, they’ll go to work fast.

They might say they’re from your bank or credit card company, and ask for your name, card number, security code, even your PIN. Some will ask you to download something to your phone or computer to “fix” the issue, which gives them access to everything on your device. Others might tell you to move money around, saying it’s part of a fraud investigation. The truth though, it’s all smoke and mirrors, and it’s all aimed at getting your money or your identity.

And here’s something new, and a little scary. Scammers can now record or mimic your voice. That’s right. Just a few seconds of you talking, even saying something simple like “yes” or “hello”, can be enough for them to build a digital copy of your voice. And it should be noted, that once they have that, they can use it to fool voice-activated systems, impersonate you on phone calls, or even trick your family or your bank.

So here’s my bit of advice:
If you get one of these calls, hang up. Don’t press any buttons. Don’t talk to the voice on the other end. If it sounds like a serious bank issue, hang up and call your bank directly, using the number on your card or their official website — not the number the scammer used.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

When History Becomes a Target

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Lately, we have seen a lot of statues toppled, monuments defaced, and books pulled from classrooms, all because some say they represent the wrong things. The latest act, vandalizing the National Holocaust Monument in downtown Ottawa with hateful graffiti, feels like another reminder of how some people want to erase or rewrite what once was. In saying that, though, I think it is only a select few causing this destruction.

The thing is yes, many of these statues or books remind us of times that were wrong, unfair, and harsh, but tearing them down or hiding them away does not fix the past. In fact, it risks losing the very lessons those things were meant to teach. Just like the books we remember from school, these monuments and statues stand as markers of history …. sometimes painful, sometimes uncomfortable, but always important.

Another point, I believe, is that our powers that be should also not be the ones deciding to erase these reminders. Instead, they should stand firm, ensuring these pieces of history stay where they belong in public view as reminders of what was and warnings for what must never be again.

We do not have to celebrate the wrongs of the past, but we do have to remember them.

Because forgetting history is the surest way to repeat it. That’s my take on the subject!

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Better Late Than Never—If It Sticks

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

So Carney’s planning to hit that NATO spending target this year, two percent of GDP. Or at least, that’s what the sources are saying. Now, I’m still leery of the man for a few reasons, but I’ll admit this could be a step in the right direction if he follows through and if the money actually goes where it’s needed most.

Truth is, we’ve got a lot of catching up to do, especially when it comes to our Armed Forces. Our air force has been working with jets that are older than most of the folks flying them, and that’s not just a figure of speech, it’s the plain truth. We even bought eighteen used F-18s from Australia not long ago, and some of them weren’t in great shape either. Truth is, half the fleet is often grounded, just waiting on parts or repairs. You can’t protect a country with aircraft that can’t get off the ground.

Now, in saying that, Canada finally did commit to buying eighty-eight brand-new F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. That deal was made back in 2022, and it’s worth around nineteen billion dollars. The first batch won’t show up until 2026, and even then, it will take time before they’re fully ready. But that’s something, and I know our pilots and the rest of the air force will sure appreciate having real equipment they can count on.

But it doesn’t stop with the air force. Our navy’s been struggling too. We’ve got coastlines on three sides, but our presence on the water has thinned out over the years. Up North especially, where Russia’s been sniffing around the Arctic, we’ve been far too slow to respond. We need more than just talk, we need proper ships that can handle the ice, working radar, and enough trained sailors to run them without burning out.

Then there’s the people themselves. The men and women who signed up to serve. They deserve better. Better pay, better housing, and proper support, not just for them, but for their families too. You can’t build a strong defence on worn-out gear and promises that don’t get kept.

So yes, Carney’s announcement might sound good on paper, but I’ll hold off on the applause until we see where that money actually goes. Two percent is just a number, what matters is what gets done with it.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Let the Books Stand: Why We Must Not Erase the Past

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These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

You know, when we remove books from schools or libraries….

Well, here is how I see it: Books, and the history they hold, should not be destroyed or hidden from readers. The thing is, what was written years ago carries value, no matter the language used. or how people were portrayed at the time.

Yes, some words and ideas from the past do not match today’s thinking. That is understandable. However, those books reflect the way things were. They teach us about times gone by and help us see how far we have come. Erasing them because they no longer fit modern views is both wrong and short-sighted. Bottom line is, we lose lessons from the past if we pretend it never happened.

Books such as Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and those written by Laura Ingalls Wilder showed life as the authors witnessed it. There is nothing wrong with keeping these books in our libraries, in fact, it is important that we do.

I also believe that many who push to remove these works are not thinking clearly about what they are doing. Some may be trying to draw attention to themselves rather than serve the greater good.

As someone who has written and published short stories for over 30 years, I can tell you this. Words matter. History matters. Books matter. And if we begin erasing them, we risk losing understanding, insight, and the truth of how life once was.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

One Man’s Thoughts on Reaching the Stars

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

You know, I have been around this world long enough to know that people often get stuck thinking the same way. They wait on the experts to tell them what can be done, or they figure if something has not happened yet, it never will. That has never made much sense to me.

My mind works a bit differently, as I do not live in a world of equations or fancy reports, truth is I live in a world of hands-on thinking, building things, fixing them, working the land, and watching how life fits together. I have always believed that a person should look beyond what others say is possible, and trust their own good sense. That kind of thinking has served me well all my life.

Lately, though, I have been thinking about the idea of finding new Earth-like planets. We already know there are some out there, places where life could take hold, or maybe already has. The closest one we know of is called Proxima Centauri b, about four light-years away. That sounds far, but I believe it is within reach if we start preparing now.

Actually, some folks are already working on ways to get there. They are building what are called light sails, large and thin, that can ride the push of laser light and send a ship across space at great speed. There are also plans for fusion engines that could use the power of the sun itself to propel a ship toward the stars.
Of course there are other pieces that will be needed too. One is building strong protective shields on the front of these ships to handle bits of space dust that could cause real damage at those high speeds. Another is giving the ships a way to steer themselves and stay on course, using smart guidance systems. And… they will need to send information back to us here at home, which can be done through powerful laser signals. All of these parts are already being worked on by good minds today.

I believe we need more than just scientists working on this. The thing is, sometimes, the best ideas come from the mechanic in his shop, the farmer who knows how things fit together, or the woodworker who understands how to make something strong and lasting. People like that are not afraid to try new ideas, or to see beyond old limits. That kind of thinking brought us across oceans, up into the skies, and to the moon. And now I believe it can take us even farther.

Now don’t take me the wrong way, as this is not about giving up on Earth, actually we need to care for this home more than ever. But we also need to be wise enough to look ahead and prepare. If we start now, if we dream and work with purpose, I believe we can build ships that will take us to new worlds.

Yea, I know, I may be an old dreamer, but life has taught me that the future belongs to those who are willing to see it before it arrives. And I plan to keep seeing what might be possible.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

“Canada Was Built a Certain Way”

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

I farmed for a lot of my life right here in Canada, and like a lot of old timers, I worked the land, raised my family, and lived by the values this country was built on. Fairness, freedom, respect for others, and doing an honest day’s work.

Now, I’m not against immigration, never have been, as I believe folks should have the chance to come here and build a better life. But here’s what’s bothering me more and more, some come here wanting to live just like they did back home. They don’t want to fit in. They want Canada to change for them.

Well, I say that isn’t right. Canada became what it is because of how we’ve lived here for generations, not by trying to become something else. It’s not supposed to be ten different countries inside one. It’s supposed to be one country, with room for everyone, as long as they respect what this country stands for.

And I’ll tell you, it’s not just us old timers noticing this. I hear the same thing from immigrants who do want to be Canadian. They see others trying to bring the old world here, and it makes them upset, too.

So here is what I believe should be done: If you want to live in Canada, then live by Canadian values. Be proud to be here, and proud to stand with your neighbors, not apart from them, that’s what makes a strong country, that’s what made Canada. And that’s the Canada I want to see stay strong for my grandkids.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

My Take on Immigration and the Protests We Are Seeing

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These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Lately, I have been watching all this news about immigration protests, both down in the U.S. and here at home in Canada, and it has got me to thinking.
We all know immigration can be a good thing when it is done properly. The trouble starts when folks think anyone and everyone should be allowed in, no questions asked, and no plan in place. That is just not common sense.

Now, as I see it, a lot of these protesters out in the streets might already be here illegally, which makes their message a bit hard to swallow. And here’s the thing, when they take to the streets thinking they will get noticed, they do, but for all the wrong reasons.

So what should be done about it? Here is what I think. If there are big demonstrations, the authorities could use that as an opportunity to sort out who is here legally and who is not. As for the protests themselves, I would send in the troops to contain the area. Let the protesters speak their minds if they want to, but do not let anyone turn it into a riot. When it is over, let folks leave in peace, but hold the troublemakers accountable.

From what I have read about what is going on in Los Angeles, things started with chanting and signs. Then some people crossed the line, lighting fires, throwing rocks, and hurting officers. That is not free speech. That is plain old violence. In that kind of situation, sending in the National Guard makes sense to me. You cannot let the streets burn or innocent people get caught in the middle.

Now, do not get me wrong, I believe in fair and lawful immigration. It has built many of our countries, and it still can. However, it has to happen in the right way, at the right time, and with the right supports in place. When it is rushed or out of control, it hurts everyone, including those already living here.

In short, let us be fair about immigration and let us keep our communities safe. When it comes to protests, they should remain peaceful or not happen at all.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only, Weather, What's Happening

Old Tales, Hot Coffee, and No Need to Hurry on Sunday, June 8/2025

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Click On Image to Enlarge

Good Morning… You know, thinking on things, I found that I was raised to listen more to the land than the news.

It’s a real nice-looking day here in cottage country. The sun is shining, and there’s hardly a breath of wind stirring through the pines. It’s the kind of day that makes you want to grab your coffee and head out to the front porch, just to take in everything nature has to offer.

Here’s your written weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario

Today – Sunday, June 8

It’s shaping up to be a warm, hazy kind of day.
High: 78°F (26°C)
Skies will be mostly sunny with just a trace of haze, and not much wind to speak of.

Tonight

Mild and still.
Low: 59°F (15°C)
Might be a chance of a light sprinkle here or there, but nothing that’ll chase you indoors if you’re out enjoying the evening, and the air’ll stay calm.

Tomorrow – Monday, June 9

Cooler and a touch more unsettled.
High: 72°F (22°C)
Low: 55°F (13°C)
Expect a mix of sun and cloud, and a few scattered showers rolling through now and again. Not a washout by any means, just enough to keep the dust down and freshen up the woods along with giving our veggies a drink.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, not much more than the odd pickup passing by now and then. But it is Sunday, after all, and most folks around here don’t do much more than sleep in, sip their coffee slow, and let the day find its own pace.

Bug Report:
Well, we still have a few of those pesky black flies roaming around, irritating folks as they go. And now the mosquitoes are starting to show up in full force. It’s nothing out of the ordinary for our area this time of year, but that said, one has to take the good with the not-so-good.

On Another Note:
My wife and I decided to take a little trip down to the western side of southern Ontario for a couple of days, just to see what the rest of the folks in this province are up to these days. We had a good time, all things considered—though I will say, the cost of things sure gave us a bit of sticker shock.

On our last day, we figured we’d grab a room for the night, but after checking into a Quality Inn—well, let’s just say we changed our minds. Believe it or not, they wanted $357.00 a night, plus tax and whatever extras they tack on. And to be honest, the room wasn’t all that nice. It didn’t smell quite right, the carpets could’ve used a good cleaning, and there was so much Febreze in the air, I don’t think my nose will be back to normal for a week.

So yep, after taking one look, we passed and headed on home. Sometimes your own bed, no matter how humble, beats any hotel room—especially one that tries to dress itself up with air freshener and high prices.

Another Thing We Noticed:
As much as I like the country, being an old farmer myself, I couldn’t help but notice how much chemical they’re pouring onto the fields down that way. Just driving along the back roads, the smell was strong enough to knock your hat off. I don’t think there’s a live bug left for twenty miles in any direction.

What really stuck with me was all the farmhouses, right smack in the middle of those fields being sprayed. One spot, near Collingwood, I saw a feller, I think it was a feller, hard to tell being dressed head to toe in white, respirator on, glasses, the whole get-up, walking around his house spraying like there was no tomorrow. But get this—the windows in the house were wide open.

Now, in my mind, that says something, doesn’t it? Wearing all that gear to protect yourself, but letting it drift straight into your home. Seems like folks are half-aware and half-asleep at the same time.

At any rate, farming these days sure isn’t what it used to be. The machines they’ve got now are monsters. One of those rigs would cost enough to feed four families for a year. And truth be told, I’d bet most of what they’re growing like corn, soy, whatever it is… isn’t even for us here in Canada. Most of it’s bound for export.

Kinda sad when you think about it. All that work, all that land, and yet we’re not feeding our own first. The whole system feels off-track.

I’ll tell you, as much as I hate saying it, I was glad to head back north. There’s something comforting about home. The air’s cleaner, the soil’s familiar, and things still make a bit more sense up here.

Oh, and one last thing—those farm homes aren’t the only ones sitting in the middle of all that spraying. What about the towns nearby, when the wind shifts and carries that stuff right into their backyards? Makes you wonder if anyone’s really thinking about the bigger picture.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, we’re planning some front porch sitting, savoring a hot cup of cocoa.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Let the Fire Breathe: What We’ve Forgotten About the Forests

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Up here in the north, we know smoke, as we see it hanging low on the horizon, like a warning or a memory, depending on how you look at it. And we’ve sure seen more of it these last few years, fire after fire, hotter, wilder, burning faster than anyone seems ready for. Folks ask, “What can we do?” but maybe the better question is, “What did we used to do?”

You see, I’m an old timer. I’ve watched the land change, the seasons shift, and I remember when fire wasn’t such a villain. Back when I was a boy, there wasn’t much we could do when a wildfire broke out way out past the cutlines which wasn’t a bad thing. The forest burned, then came back greener. It was part of the cycle.

But long before my time, there were people here who knew fire better than we ever did… the Indigenous peoples, or as some still prefer, Native American Indians or First Nations, depending on the region. They understood fire not as an enemy, but as a living force. A teacher. A tool. Their communities practiced what’s now called cultural burning, setting small, cool fires in the early spring or fall to clear underbrush, bring back berries, open up hunting paths, and reduce the fuel that leads to the monster blazes we see now.

These weren’t random fires. They were careful, respectful, and tied deeply to the land and the seasons. Firekeepers would walk the ground, listen to the animals, smell the wind. They knew where to burn, how hot, and when to stop. And it worked, as the land stayed balanced. The trees weren’t so choked with brush, and the fires that did happen stayed low and manageable.

Then came the government bans. Fire suppression laws, mostly pushed in the early 1900s, outlawed traditional burning. Fire crews were trained to put out every flame. Planes, chemicals, bulldozers, all tools to fight something that maybe shouldn’t have always been fought. And sure, some fires had to be stopped. But by putting out every fire, year after year, we built up a problem: thick forests, dry dead fall, layers of fuel just waiting for one lightning strike or careless spark.

Now the fires are bigger than ever. They jump highways, climb trees like ladders, and send smoke across provinces. Our policies, made with good intentions maybe, but not much listening, have helped create conditions where fires don’t just burn, they rage. We traded slow, healing burns for uncontrollable infernos.

The sad truth is, we’re relearning what some communities never forgot. Indigenous fire keepers… the knowledge holders, are still out there, often unrecognized, still willing to teach if we’ll bother to ask. Some provinces are starting to invite them back to the table. It’s a start.

So no, I don’t think we should just sit back and let it all burn. But I do think it’s time we stop fighting fire with fear and start working with it, like we once did. It’s not about going back to the old days exactly, but about remembering the parts that worked. Letting fire breathe, in the right time and way, might just save our forests and us.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW