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Addiction Research Shows Texting While Driving Maybe – “Out of Our Hands”

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BY MALIAKA BRYCE

Drivers engaged in text messaging on a cell phone are twenty three times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event compared with non-distracted drivers. Texting and driving is now a major national issue in Canada and is considered as dangerous as drinking and driving.

However, new research by Dr. David Greenfield, founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction at the University of Connecticut (YES, there is a center for that) shows the impulse to text while driving could be out of our hands. “In essence, it’s a drug, or what I call a digital drug,” said Greenfield. He worked with AT&T on the survey and believes people get a high from using their cellphone behind the wheel similar to playing a slot machine.

Apparently checking how many “likes” you received on the “It’s my birthday today!!” post you put up this morning actually elevates your level of dopamine, the pleasure chemical in your brain, and in turn increases the probability that you can’t stop yourself from going online to check your post again and again throughout the day to get your high from the seventeen red Instagram hearts beside your picture. ohhh, wait that’s eighteen!!!. They like me, they really like me.

OK, so the good new is I’m not the huge jerk I thought I was for endangering people’s lives with my distracted driving … the bad news… I might be a hard-wired cellphone addict suffering from Nomophobia – the fear of being out of mobile phone, and I may need rehab. Well, that’s just GRRrrreaatttttt. “They try to make me go to rehab but I said no, No, No – too soon?  Sorry.  

The point is, Canadians could have a real problem and we are not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, 67% of smartphone owners have admitted to checking their phone for calls or messages when their phone DIDN’T even vibrate or ring.

If we are honest with ourselves, (which I try to do once a week on Wednesdays) we would have to admit that we have all heard the beep and took a peek knowing full well of the major consciences associated with our actions. In Ontario, checking Bae’ “Sooo, what u doing?” text could cost you up to $1000 and three demerit points. We even have text messages flashing on our highway billboards with that ridiculously odd looking cell phone with a thick line running through it to remind use to stay focused while driving and still phone use while driving is a growing trend that has road cops in rage.

On many occasions, I have gotten into my car and committed to not looking at my phone until I have arrived at my destination. Without fail after five minutes of driving my phone will go off. I’m strong and steadfast at first… I say to myself focus on the road, it’s snowing and dangerous … who ever it is they can wait”. Then two minutes later it rings again, “ughhhhh, WhatTTT do you want” I scream, secretly pleased that they called twice. By the third ring, I start to rationalize my actions “Oh I better answer it …could be the kids ….with guilt, shame and frustration I begin the hunt for my device by digging into the abyss of my bag to retrieve what is sadly my most valued possession.

After swerving to avoid the crazy dude in front of me who stopped on the yellow light..who stops on yellow!!  I finally answer the call. Hello, this is Maliaka speaking how can I help you…The pre-recorded message starts by saying “Congratulations! you’ve have been randomly selected to win a free trip to Iceland. SERIOUSLY I almost killed three people Sunwing. Thanks!!

I saw a meme the other day that asked, “If your home was burning down and you could only save one thing what would you save?” Without hesitation, I wrote, my phone of course….Ohhhh and the charger which I quickly added should technically be considered as one item. My BFF commented, but Maliaka what about the kids?

I responded, “Of course I would go save them – as long as I have my phone… I can call them from outside” I would even leave a voicemail if I had to. We both laughed.     

But seriously, cell phone addiction is real and crashing your car is only one of the negative side effects. It’s also been linked to depression, anxiety, poor work performance just to name a few.

I have started my twelve-step plan by locking my phone in my trunk when I’m driving. I’ve only pulled over on the highway twice so far to check it..  

For more information on distracted driving and cellphone addiction please search the behavioural disorders center in your area.  

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407ETR Matters

Exploring environmental racism and its impact on Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities

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Photo Credit: Drazen Zigic

BY KAHA G.

The Canadian Senate’s recent passage of legislation to address environmental racism marks a significant milestone in Canada’s pursuit of environmental justice. The Environmental Justice Strategy Act requires the government to explore how racial and socio-economic factors influence environmental risks and create a national strategy to address environmental racism. This development has generated widespread celebration among advocates for: social justice, environmental protection, and public health.

To understand the significance of this milestone, it’s essential to know what environmental racism is. Environmental racism refers to the placement of harmful industries and environmental hazards in: Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, which also have less access to environmental benefits. For a more general definition, the US Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as ensuring all people have equal protection from environmental hazards and equal access to decision-making for a healthy environment.

With that covered, let’s go into the facts. The Environmental Justice Strategy Act requires the Canadian government to explore how racial and socio-economic factors influence environmental risks. It will also create Canada’s first national strategy on environmental racism and environmental justice. This follows a 2020 UN report that highlighted how marginalized groups, especially Indigenous peoples, face unacceptable environmental conditions compared to other Canadians.

Nearly 30 years ago, the United States initiated a similar environmental justice program. Canada’s new law aims to establish equivalent protections. Dr. Ingrid Waldron, a leader in studying environmental racism, stressed that better data collection is essential. She noted that the formal data on environmental racism in Canada is incomplete, leading to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the issue’s severity. According to Dr. Waldron, without proper action, the negative impacts on people’s health and well-being will persist.

Passing the Environmental Justice Strategy Act is a significant step in acknowledging and addressing environmental racism in Canada. The next task is to develop a strategy that reflects the experiences and needs of those most affected. Advocates emphasize the importance of involving these communities in creating effective solutions and call for the government to provide adequate funding for these initiatives.

Bill C-226, which started as Bill C-230, was reintroduced and supported by key political figures, including MP Elizabeth May and Senator Mary Jane McCallum. Its passage was celebrated by several groups, such as: the Canadian Coalition for Environmental and Climate Justice (CCECJ), Environmental Noxiousness, Racial Inequalities and Community Health Project (The ENRICH Project), Black Environmental Initiative (BEI), Breast Cancer Action Québec (BCAQ), Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), etc.

Before I end this article, I would like to share a quote from one of the group’s reactions to the bill, specifically the Breast Cancer Action Quebec (BCAQ)

“Breast Cancer Action Quebec is thrilled that the Senate has passed the Environmental Justice Strategy Act. And we are even more impressed by the determination of Dr. Ingrid Waldron and her decades long fight to require Canada to formally reckon with its perpetuation of environmental racism. Every day brings examples of corporations egregiously polluting with impunity the air, water and soil of neighboring communities that are most often Indigenous, racialized or low-income. Now Canada will have to map and answer for this treatment.” 

The passage of the Environmental Justice Strategy Act marks a significant milestone in Canada’s pursuit of environmental justice. By acknowledging and addressing environmental racism, Canada can create a healthier and more just environment for all.

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Automotive

Top Caribbean Celebrities and Their Exotic Cars

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BY: MALIAKA BRYCE

Each quarter I take time out to update my Vision Board – a task that helps me stay focused on achieving my goals. Exotic cars are my weakness and motivator of choice. Dreaming of driving a sexy V12 makes me work a little faster and harder. My latest vision board inspiration comes from four of my favorite Caribbean Celebrities and their dream cars.

  1. Nicki Minaj – Trinidad and Tobago

This island girl owns a few beautiful cars, most of which are bright pink including her Lamborghini Aventador valued at $400,000, and Bentley Continental GT worth $250,000. She was also spotted in a $500,000 Maybach 62S boosting a 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine with an astonishing 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.

Onika Tanya Maraj was born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Jamaica and Queens, New York. The rapper/actress released three platinum-selling albums, Pink Friday, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded and The Pinkprint. Her album sales coupled with her various movie roles and stint as an American Idol judge, helped Minaj earn approximately $70 million in her career, according to celebritynetworth.com.

  1. Bob Marley – Jamaican

During his lifetime, Bob Marley owned a number of luxury vehicles including a BMW, Land Rover Defender & Mercedes 500SL.  Nesta Robert Marley was the world ambassador for reggae music and one of Jamaica’s biggest superstar singers, musician and songwriter selling over 25 million records throughout his career. To celebrate Marley’s 70th birthday, Jamaica’s Land Rover dealership and the Marley family fully restored Bob’s classic Land Rover truck to its former glory. The vehicle is now on display at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston Jamaica. The Marley estate is said to be worth over $130 million dollars placing him on Forbes Magazine’ list of the five top-earning dead celebrities.

  1. Wyclef Jean – Haitian

Wyclef owns an exotic car collection of over 37 cars including a $1 million dollar – Mclaren F1 “The fastest car in the world” and the rarest most expensive cars in the world, the Pagani Zonda C12 at $1,400,000.  Wyclef’’s cherry red C12 is one of only three in America. Wyclef Jeanelle Jean is a world famous singer, rapper, musician, actor, and politician. Jean moved to the States from Haiti at the age of nine and rose to fame as a member of the Fugees, winning three Grammy Awards for his work in music. According to People with Money Magazine his property holdings, endorsements, restaurant chain, football team, Vodka, perfume and fashion line puts Wyclef’s net worth over $146 million

  1. Usain Bolt – Jamaican

Bolt is the fastest man alive and the richest runner in the history of track and field and owns a fleet of very fast vehicles including the Nissan GT2 worth over $100,999 custom designed and finished in real gold, Ferrari F30 Spider and a Ferrari 458 valued at over $291,000.00. The Olympic 100m and 200m champion sprinter has endorsements from Puma, Gatorade, Virgin Media, Visa, a best-selling autobiography and commands an appearance fee ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. It is estimated that Usain is worth close to $100 million.

So, keep dreaming big – because if they can do it – so can we… Right?

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Automotive

Three Tips for a Rust-Free Winter

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BY: MALIAKA BRYCE

This may just be the world’s fastest crash course on rust prevention ever written – well maybe not ever but, by the end of this article you will have learned the basics as it relates to rust on your car and how to handle it.

Rust 101

What is Rust? In simplified terms, when iron meets water and oxygen the result is rust.
Vehicles made with iron based products will eventually show signs of rust. The goal, therefore, is to use protection as a method to extend the life of the vehicle. Most cars will rust in two to three years if unprotected. However, once treated and maintained an average car will show little signs of rust for up to five to six years which happens to be the average length of time most Canadians will keep a vehicle. Preventing rust is important to the potential reselling value of the vehicle and should not be overlooked.

Where Does Rust Start? The paint job is the car’s first line of defense against rust. Once the paint is nicked, scratched or exposed corrosion can start to form in those areas. Rust often forms anywhere two iron parts rub together such as the doors, hinges, etc. The undercarriage of the vehicles is also often prone to rust. Salt, dirt, sand, damp weather, heavy snow, and carbon elements all help to speed up the rate at which the iron will start to rust or corrode.

How to Prevent Rust? These are the three basic steps necessary to increase the life of the vehicle and prevent rust: Keep the car protected/oiled, clean, and dry.

1. Keep it Protected and Oiled: Rust proofing spray/undercoating is currently the most popular method of rust protection used in Canada due to its price point and availability and is recommended for new vehicles. Rust proofing is used in areas that are more visible on the vehicle such as the door, wheel wells, fenders etc. and are available as oils, gels, or waxes that require yearly maintenance. The ceramic application is a new alternative to wax products and is said to be five times stronger than wax and lasts for five years. Undercoating protects the undercarriage of the vehicle or the hidden parts of the car and is often called sealants. There are a variety of brands and price ranges
available for rustproofing and undercoating – additional research is recommended before purchasing a package.
a. Electronic Rust Inhibitors – work well on boats and bridges but have been proven less effective on cars and are often not recommended.
b. Paint protection film products represent the latest in protection technology and are removable, self-healing, stain resistant and often maintenance free.

2. Keep it Clean: It is highly recommended to remove the vehicles dirt, salt and all other elements that increase the corrosion rate of the iron as quickly as possible. Washing all parts of the car including the underbody is necessary to prolong the life of the protection option chosen. Use baking soda and not dish-washing soap.

3. Keep It Dry: Once cleaned, the vehicles must be properly dried and kept out of moisture. Store your vehicles inside when ever possible or use a car tarp or tent to protect from heavy snowfall or rain. Keep water away from your vehicle.

You now know the basics of rust prevention. How many of these suggestions will you adopt in your everyday routine? Do you have other rust proofing ideas? We want to hear from you.

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