KENAZ 'S BLOG-An opening of one's knowledge,capabilities, vision and guidance.

The hammer falls in Hamilton on three murder trials

2009-04-06T03:32:00.000-04:00

In the part of this universe that we know there is great injustice, and often the good suffer, and often the wicked prosper, and one hardly knows which of those is the more annoying.-Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)

Hamiltonian's know too well the sage of this quote. Recent justice has been neither swift nor hard. Sometimes justice felt like it was administered with a whiffle bat instead of the iron "Hammer" that forged the chains and shackles to which freedom was grounded for many birds of prey in the past. Leaving the preyed upon feeling the sting of a misfired blow from a blind justice system.

This weekend four men finally felt the sting of justice as the gavel fell in three highly publicized Hamilton cases.

Rogers sentenced to life in jail

Corey Rogers -- the dangerous fugitive who tried to turn himself in a week before going on a stabbing rampage -- has been found guilty of murdering two teens and wounding two others.

The jury found Rogers, 24, guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Paul Haggerty, 19. Second-degree murder for the death of Lucas Deane, 18. Attempted murder for the stabbing of Kenny Clark. And aggravated assault for the knifing of Lee-Anthony Newell.

The first-degree murder conviction draws an automatic life sentence with no parole eligibility for 25 years. Justice Ramsay also handed down 12 years for the second-degree murder, as well as six years for the attempted murder and one year for the aggravated assault.

Paul Haggerty's father, says his faith in the police and the justice system was shattered in the wake of Rogers' botched surrender.

"Today, our faith has been restored a little bit."

I couldn't agree more.
origional post about the botched arrest from 5/9/07 entitled "Chief Brian Mullan Lies Again"
full story and victim impact statements

Aziga guilty verdict makes history

A Hamilton jury made legal history Saturday when it convicted an HIV-positive man on two counts of first-degree murder for deliberately infecting two Toronto women who died of AIDS-related lymphomas.

The nine men and three women jurors deliberated approximately 25 hours over three days before returning with a verdict at 5 p.m. The jury also found Johnson Aziga, 52, guilty on 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault and one of attempted aggravated sexual assault.

The daughter of S.B., who was present in court for the verdict, said she was grateful to the jury for finding that her mother’s death was a murder and not just an unfortunate public health incident .

“I thought that any person who would have common sense and who would have that evidence in front of them would find the same way that I felt — that he was guilty. How could you not connect that (sex) act with the sequence of events that led to her death.”

Aziga returns to court May 7 for sentencing and at that time, the prosecutor and Crown council intend to file victim impacts statements from family members of the dead women, along with the surviving complainants. Five of Aziga’s former sex partners are HIV positive and four have tested negative.

full story

This man inflicting these women with a slow, painful deadly disease did far worse than if he had used a gun and ended their life swiftly. Aziga deserves not only 25 years without parole, but declaring him a dangerous offender would give him possibly the rest of his natural life to find the remorse for his victims that he seemingly lacks.

Brothers admit to killing

A Hamilton man has pleaded guilty to two brutal crimes committed five months apart that ignited the city's outrage in 2006.

Thomas Riordan, 19, yesterday admitted in court he murdered Michael Walsh, 22, when he burst into a tiny room in the American House Tavern in Waterdown in October 2006 and fired two rifle bullets into Walsh as he lay helpless on his bed.

Riordan also pleaded guilty to trying to kill Travis Bailey, 22, in early May that year by pumping a shotgun blast into Bailey's face, blowing out his teeth, shattering his jaw and leaving him brain damaged, paralyzed on his left side and blind in one eye.

Standing next to his younger brother in the prisoner's box, Shane Riordan, 21, pleaded guilty yesterday to manslaughter for guarding the kicked-in door while his brother shot the young father of one. Walsh was also stabbed in the stomach and clubbed in the head with a heavy candlestick by two other people.

Walsh's sister,

"Our society looks to police and the courts for some kind of justice, but no matter what we feel, it will never be enough."

full story

Later,
Kenaz

Spring Tarot and Rune Reading

2009-03-29T17:23:00.000-04:00

What does Spring 2009 have in store for me?

The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most popular Tarot spreads, providing varied insight into many aspects of a complex situation and your role in it. The Cat People Tarot paints a picture of faraway lands trod by mystical archetypes and their feline companions. This deck is a perfect tool for dreamers and idealists, and is a great choice for divining the nature of human imagination.


	The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. King of Pentacles: An experienced and successful leader. A person of character and intelligence. Business acumen. Mathematical ability. Loyal friend. Reliable marriage partner. Successful businessperson. Wise investments. Ability to acquire money and valuable possessions.
	The card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. The High Priest: Mercy. Kindness. Goodness. Forgiveness. Inspiration. Compassion. Servitude. Overt reserve. Captivity to one's own ideas. Tendency to cling to ideas and principles even if outdated. A person to whom one has recourse. Conformity. A religious r spiritual leader. A person with a sense of historical importance.
	The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Seven of Swords (Futility): New plans. Wishes. Fortitude. Perseverance. Hope. Confidence. Fantasy. Design.
	The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Nine of Swords (Cruelty), when reversed: Doubt. Suspicion. Slanderous gossip. Shame. Scruple. Timidity. Shady character. Reasonable fear.
	The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Seven of Wands (Valor): Success. Gain. Overcoming obstacles and challenges. Advantage. Victory.
	The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Pentacles (Gain): Accomplishment. Discernment. Discretion. Foresight. Safety. Prudence. Material well-being. Love of nature.
	The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Five of Cups (Disappointment), when reversed: Hopeful outlook. Favorable expectations. New alliances. Affinity. Return of an old friend. Reunion.
	The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Benefit. Profit. Temporary gain. Improvement. Passing success. Momentary advantage. Temporary favor.
	The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: Stalemate. Unwanted proposal. No immediate solution to present difficulties. Confession. Declaration.
	The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Knight of Pentacles: A mature and responsible person. Reliability. Methodical and patient person. Persistence. Ability to conclude a task. Laborious, organized, capable and dependable person.

The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.

The left rune represents an important element of the past. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved...

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Wunjo is the rune of joy. The reversal of this rune suggests that joy is withheld. Since joy is frequently communal, this rune often suggests loneliness. Alternatively, some have seen Wunjo as the rune of perfection and the rune of the gods. Therefore this rune reversed could signal a feeling of separation from one's deity, or as imperfection in an important work.

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Laguz is the most strongly feminine of runes, representing water. Deep sexuality is suggested by this rune. Through Laguz, water is seen as the ocean - vast, uncontrollable, ever-changing, and vital. When interpreted as the returning tide, Laguz can also predict the inevitable return from a long journey.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful - although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised - the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.

4 Canadian soldiers killed, 8 wounded in Kandahar

2009-03-20T22:45:00.002-04:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.

Master Cpl. Scott Francis Vernelli, Cpl. Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes

Four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight others wounded in two separate roadside bomb blasts outside Kandahar City on Friday. Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli and Cpl. Tyler Crooks — both of November Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment — died when an improvised explosive device exploded near their patrol in the Zhari district, about 40 kilometres west of Kandahar. The incident happened about 6:45 a.m. local time. One Afghan interpreter was killed and another injured in the attack.

Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, both of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb around 8:45 a.m. local time in the Shah Wali Kot district. That region is about 20 km northwest of the city and has seen an increase in Taliban activity.

All the soldiers who died were based in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. All of the injured soldiers are in stable condition in Kandahar and were able to call their families.

The soldiers were nearing the tail end of a four-day offensive that was the largest joint U.S.-Canadian offensive since the Korean war. The offensive, which began Tuesday, saw Canadian and U.S. soldiers split into two battle groups. They went into a large swath of land in Kandahar's Zhari district to engage Taliban forces, who usually try to organize munitions and prepare plans for the fighting season in the summer.

These wonderful Canadian men were, at the moment of their deaths, engaged directly in the continuing work to keep the insurgency sufficiently at bay to ensure safety for the population and to preserve our ability to meet the objectives of the Afghans, the international community, and the government of Canada.

And those objectives are intended to meet the needs of a desperate Afghan population. Success in war is costly.

Vernelli, 28 was married with a six-month-old daughter, described as an enthusiastic and dedicated father. A terrific athlete, very funny and, ironically enough, always able to joke at the worst of times.

Crooks, a native of Port Colborne, Ont., was a keen and motivated soldier who loved dirt-biking and was a Texas Hold 'em card shark. He died on his 24th birthday. He's remembered by his friends as the kind of guy who would do anything for you without even being asked.

Bouthillier, was a 20-year-old from Hearst, Ont., was a joker who always had everyone laughing. His enthusiasm and his unswerving duty for work inspired other soldiers.

Hayes, 22, who grew up in Ripples, N.B., was a proud and dedicated soldier who always put his friends and family before himself, his friends remember him not only as a friend and a comrade-in-arms, but a brother who Inspired them to stand up in the face of danger and do what was right.

-Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance

The latest deaths bring the number of Canadian military fatalities in Afghanistan to 116 since Canada's combat mission there began in 2002. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed.

Peace.

Term linits for city politicians not a bad idea

2009-03-11T02:41:00.001-04:00

When it comes to electing people to city government, voter turnout is often embarrassingly apathetic commonly hovering just over 30 per cent in Hamilton. But this doesn't stop us from bitching about the problems with the pivotal services the city provides like water we drink, the transit we ride, the sewers, policing and fire protection.

Because of this lethargic behaviour of voters incumbents in municipal office are notoriously difficult to unseat. As a result, many municipal politicians are able to cling to office for years, often well past their effective abilities. At Hamilton's city hall, for example, almost half the councillors have been in office for at least 15 years, the exact percentage as Toronto.

Fairness and accountability at the municipal level sounds like an oxymoron, especially in Hamilton going back in recent years to the DiIanni scandal and to the currant councils credibility issues. Term limits was one of Fred Eisenberger's promises in the last election and Progressive Conservative MPP Norm Sterling echoes the concern and is asking for a review to be undertaken at Queen's Park. Scheduled for debate in the Legislature on Thursday is Sterling's resolution calling for the creation of an all-party select committee to look at municipal governance in Ontario's big cities. The proposed review would focus on cities with a population greater than 500,000, such as Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and Mississauga.

We need a compromise on term limits to encourage new blood to flow into city politics bringing with them enriched nutrients at the same time cutting out the cancers that kill any attempt at new growth and development . I suggest no more than two consecutive terms as a councilor, but no limitations on someone re-entering in the future for another two terms. It prevents councilors from becoming career pariahs sucking money out of municipalities in the way of wages and benefits without offering any useful input. Like we see in the Federal Senate where Senators spend less than a third of their time actually working.

Really good Councilors can, jump from councilor to mayor. That would give you 4 uninterrupted terms (16 years) in municipal politics before either jumping to the provincial or federal levels or taking a term off.

City of Hamilton
Members of Council (2006-2010) and their years of service.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger-Serving as Mayor since December 6, 2006.
City of Hamilton Ward Boundaries

Ward 1..................... Ward 2................ Ward 3 .................Ward 4
Brian McHattie .......Bob Bratina..... ...Bernie Morelli ..Sam Merulla
2003.........................2004......................1991.................2000

Ward 5 ...................Ward 6 ......................Ward 7 ................... Ward 8
Chad Collins ......... Tom Jackson .............Scott Duvall .............Terry Whitehead
1995........................1988...................2006....................2003

Ward 9 .........................Ward 10 ................Ward 11 .......................Ward 12
Brad Clark ...................Maria Pearson .....David L. Mitchell ........Lloyd Ferguson
2006......................1991....................... Glanbrook 1986 - 2000 .Ancaster-1984 to 1994
....................................................................Hamilton in 2001........Hamilton-2006

Ward 13 ......................Ward 14 ..................Ward 15 .............
Russ Powers ..............Robert Pasuta .......Margaret McCarthy
1982 Dundas..................2006.....................Flamborough 1994
2001 Hamilton............................................Hamilton 2000

Later,
Kenaz

GTO Soldier latest to die in Afghanistan

2009-03-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

Trooper Marc Diab, 22, from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed in an attack in Afghanistan on Sunday. He was serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group based in Petawawa, Ont. The Canadian soldier died and four were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near their armoured vehicle on patrol northeast of Kandahar city. The soldiers were conducting security operations in the mountainous region of Sha Wali Kot district — a known entry point for Taliban fighters.

Soldier was dedicated, religious and loved sports

-Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance talking about Trooper Marc Diab, 22

Diab's death brings the number of casualties in Afghanistan to 112 since Canada's combat mission there began in 2002. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed. There are 2,830 Canadian troops serving at Kandahar Airfield and Camp Nathan Smith, the home of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar city.

Peace.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Bratina,Merulla sling mud in your eye

2009-03-05T00:01:00.001-05:00
Councilors Bob Bratina (Ward 2) and Sam Merulla (Ward 4) have been slinging fices via email for the past few weeks over various topics including spending priorities for the city and the closing of US Steel The councilors sent their childish barbs to each other, plus the rest of council and all the local news media.

It started on February 12, with Councilor Merulla forwarding a news item from Citizens at City Hall (CATCH) about Mississauga's decision to drop out of the Pan Am Games bid for an aquatic facility.

In it, Merulla dismisses the games as an obscure 'third-rate event with fourth-rate athletes. To which Bratina asked Perhaps Councilor Merulla would consider apologizing to the young athletes in the Hamilton area who might aspire to participate in some of the events. Moments later, with the vigor of a fifth grader with a persecution complex, Merulla shot back asking Councillor Bratina to apologize to your residents who have been subjected to human feces floating in their basement as a result of the infrastructure deficit and yet you want to build an unsustainable stadium.

I would like to see a new multi-purpose stadium built with a track, football field, outdoor concert area, etc. Something like Toronto's BMO field, there is a bubble which allows for facility use 365 days of the year. There needs to be private investment to offset the cost to taxpayers, perhaps selling the naming rights for the new stadium. "Tim Horton's Field" sounds pretty good. Selling Name/Commemoration plates for seats (like at Hamilton Place) and common areas (Councilor Merulla Men's Room? Councilor Bratina Hot Dog's?)

I have never had respect for Councilor Merulla and his over the top, boisterous comments and yesterday's salvo of dumb dumbs didn't help. In response to the Hamilton Spectator's breaking news report that US Steel (formerly Stelco) is shutting down its Canadian operations (including its Hamilton and Lake Erie operations), Merulla sent an email to local media that reads simply: "Let's build a stadium!!!!!!! [sic]"

Councilor Bratina immediately responded, "This is not a matter for smug jokes." Glenn Johnson of CanWest News Service replied to all, writing, "Would you two call each other instead of wasting everyone else's time."

The US Steel closure of its Hamilton and Lake Erie operations could affect 2,100 workers, adding to the 700 of its 1,700 wage employees laid off in Hamilton.

I don't understand what Merulla is saying with that comment. Does he mean that building a stadium is a waste of money because we could use the $60ish million to do what for the tax payers of Hamilton. Use it to keep US Steel afloat while they sit idle until the global economy says it's time to start making steel again? Sam, shut up or say something constructive. Try saying something useful for once.

Sometimes for major changes to take place, a system must fail. The times ahead are going to be hard for some, harder for others. This is Hamilton's chance to show what it is made of and change a flawed system.

Later,
Kenaz

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

March comes in like a lion for three Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan

2009-03-04T08:57:00.006-05:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.

Corporal Kenneth Chad O'Quinn, Warrant Officer Denis Raymond Brown, and Corporal Dany Olivier Fortin, killed March 3, 2009 during a patrol in the Arghandab District.

A roadside bomb killed three Canadian soldiers and injured two others Tuesday after it exploded near their armoured vehicle northwest of Kandahar City.

The Canadians were returning home after defusing an improvised explosive device in Arghandab District when their vehicle was hit. The area is normally quieter than the more anarchic Zhari and Panjwai Districts and the blast may mark the start of the spring and summer fighting season.

Killed in the explosion were Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, a reservist from The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, based in St. Catharines, Ont., Cpl. Dany Olivier Fortin from the 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing, based in Bagotville, Que., and Cpl. Kenneth Chad O’Quinn, from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron, in Petawawa, Ontario.

Canada lost three outstanding soldiers,” said Brig.-Gen. Jon Vance, Canada’s top commander here. “The work they performed every day played an important role in establishing security, stability and safety for the people of Afghanistan and saved countless lives.

Their deaths bring the total of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan to 111. The two injured soldiers were taken by helicopter to the hospital at Kandahar Airfield and are reportedly in good condition.

Thankfully these are the first Canadian deaths in March. February was a quiet month for Canadian soldiers, with only one serious injury and no deaths. It was a welcome respite after a bloody December and January, when roadside bombs killed 11 soldiers.
Peace.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Canada's latest hero returned home

2009-02-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.
The body of Canada's latest soldier killed in the fields of battle in Afghanistan is back on home soil.

Sapper Sean Greenfield, was killed Saturday when his armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb in the volatile Zhari district west of Kandahar city. A military aircraft carrying Sapper Sean Greenfield's flag-draped casket landed on Tuesday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Trenton in eastern Ontario.

Greenfield, 25, was killed by a roadside bomb Saturday near Kandahar City.

He was a member of 24 Field Engineer Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Petawawa, Ont., serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group.

Greenfield grew up in Pinawa, Man., and Petawawa, and studied graphic design at Fanshawe College in London, Ont., before joining the military.

His comrades remembered him as an exceptionally fit soldier who was passionate in his love of music, playing the guitar and singing.

Greenfield is the second Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2009, bringing the Canadian military's death toll to 108 since the Afghan mission began seven years ago.

One Canadian diplomat and two Canadian aid workers have also been killed.

Peace.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Canadian soldier killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan

2009-01-10T13:17:00.000-05:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.
"Good's sacrifice will not be forgotten"..."He was active in his community and the best neighbour you could ask for"

Trooper Brian Richard Good was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons stationed at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

A Canadian soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in the northern part of Afghanistan's Kandahar province early Wednesday, say military officials.

The soldier died when an improvised explosive device detonated near the armoured vehicle in which he was travelling. Three other soldiers were injured in the incident in the Shah Wali Kowt district, about 35 kilometres north of the city of Kandahar.

Trooper Brian Richard Good, 42, was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment and stationed at the eastern Ontario Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

The three injured soldiers, all members of the same unit, were taken by helicopter to Kandahar Airfield and are reported to be in good condition, military officials said.

Good's death is the first of 2009 of a Canadian soldier and brings the Canadian military's death toll in Afghanistan to 107 since the mission began seven years ago. One Canadian diplomat and two Canadian aid workers have also been killed.

Peace.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Two more Canadian Soldiers aren't coming home alive

2008-12-28T20:08:00.002-05:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.
"Christmas has finally come and our soldier isn't home," Jill Kruse wrote only days ago. "And for some families, they won't have their soldiers sit at their table for Christmas dinner again."

Two Canadian soldiers killed this weekend in Afghanistan are on their way home, after a solemn twilight ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield Sunday evening.

A lone bagpiper played as the caskets of Warrant Officer Gaetan Joseph Roberge and Sgt. Gregory John Kruse were loaded onto a military aircraft.

Roberge and Kruse were killed Saturday after a bomb exploded while the two soldiers were on security patrol about 24 kilometres west of Kandahar City.

An Afghan policeman and interpreter were also killed in the blast, while three Canadian soldiers and a second interpreter were injured.

The soldiers had been on a security patrol in the volatile Panjwaii district, where Canadian troops have repeatedly fought against Taliban gunmen.

Roberge, was a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment who was serving with the Irish Regiment of Canada in Sudbury, Ont. He was serving in Afghanistan to help train the country's national police force.

Kruse was from the 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont. He was serving as a member of 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group.

Capt. Shane Gapp described Roberge as someone with a good sense of humour, and who earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

"His men loved him. He loved his men. You could count on him at any point in time to do anything," Gapp said.

Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, the head of Canadian and NATO forces in Kandahar, said in a statement that there were no words to describe the emotional impact such deaths have on soldiers.

"Every one of our soldiers is very dear to us. They are our friends and our brothers."

He added that Canadian soldiers "also grieve for our Afghan brothers with whom we have been working side by side to help make their country more secure and stable."
Warrant Officer Gaeten Joseph Roberge was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 27, 2008.
Sgt. Greg John Kruse was killed Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 while on patrol in the Panjway district, in the western part of Kandahar province.
Along with one diplomat and two aid workers, 106 Canadian soldiers have now died in the war-torn country since 2002.
Peace.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Boxing Day Tragedy for another Canadian Soldier

2008-12-27T18:36:00.000-05:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.
""Pte. Freeman served his country bravely with pride and dedication. His sacrifice will not be forgotten" Defence Minister Peter MacKay
Pte. Michael Freeman's armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb during a security patrol around 12:45 p.m. local time on Friday.

Freeman, who lived in Peterborough, Ont., leaves behind his parents and a fiancée. His death brings to 104 the number of Canadian soldiers killed in the Afghan mission since 2002. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed.

Canada has about 2,500 soldiers in Afghanistan. Most are based in the south around Kandahar. Its military mission is slated to end in 2011. Roadside bomb attacks have killed seven Canadian soldiers in December alone. Freeman, 28, served with November Company, 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in eastern Ontario.

Freeman had returned to Kandahar less than two weeks ago from home leave. This was his first tour of duty in Afghanistan. The attack in the Zhari District of Kandahar province also wounded three other soldiers. They were airlifted to the hospital at Kandahar Airfield and were reported to be in good condition.
Peace.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

2008 Fourth Annual Kenaz Awards

2008-12-26T15:14:00.004-05:00

My awards for those who made the headlines in 2008 in the spirit of this site. The nominees where taken from the many posts I made this year and cover local, canadian and international persons that made headlines.

Welcome to the fourth annual "Kenaz Awards". Still no glitz, no glamour, no expensive bling. Just a cold beer and some cheese to celebrate the stories that made you cheer,jeer,get angry,cry or say 'Good lord!".

Missed The Boat Award

Doh!

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/06/three-year-sentance-for-causing.html

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/05/mark-nimigans-anti-swearing-proposal-is.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/05/dressing-our-olympians-for-er-success.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/04/hillmcgraw-supershow-not-coming-to.html

Warm and Fuzzies Award

I Feel Good!!

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/11/some-early-christmas-warm-and-fuzzies.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/irish-eyes-shine-again-for-eugene-kelly.html

Justice Served

And Justice For All

Bosnia war criminal Karadzic arrested U.N. war crimes tribunal: Former Bosnian Serb president has been arrested after more than a decade in hiding.

Person of the Year

Barack Obama wins presidential election As polls closed on the West coast, the senator was projected to receive enough electoral votes to pass the 270-vote threshold

Humanitarian Award
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/11/remembrance-day-for-soldiers-in.html

Iron Man Award

Iron Man

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/12/two-more-canadian-soldiers-arent-coming.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/12/boxing-day-tragedy-for-another-canadian.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/12/sadness-for-three-more-canadian-deaths.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/12/100th-canadian-hero-to-give-their-all.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/sgt-scott-shipway-97th-canadian-hero.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/pte-chad-horn-cpl-andrew-grenon-and-cpl.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/bloody-day-in-afghanistan-for-three.html

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/friendly-giant-of-soldier-killed-in.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/canadian-soldier-dies-in-firefight.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/07/cpl-james-hayward-arnal-dedicated.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/07/two-more-canadian-soldies-die-in.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/06/canadian-soldier-dies-on-night-foot.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/06/latest-hero-to-give-all-in-afghanistan.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/sgt-jason-boyes-was-committed-warrior.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/80th-canadian-soldier-dies-mysteriously.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/farewell-to-trooper-hayakaze.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/01/solemn-farewell-for-canadian-killed-in.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/01/canadian-soldier-comes-home-to-be.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/01/salutes-go-out-for-two-more-canadians.html

Injustice Award
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/10/dhinsa-case-bitter-pill-to-swallow.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/michael-dixon-wronged-by-hamilton.html

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/04/pte-terry-john-street-83-person-to-die.html

Biggest Loser Award

Your a loser baby!

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/dirty-story-of-two-new-steel-giants.html

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/06/few-choice-words-for-those-who-holding.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/02/asinine-comment-shows-councillor-terry.html

Wack Job of the Year
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/05/taliban-cowardly-attack-canadian.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/hamilton-councils-latest-proposal-makes.html

Rockin the Planet Award

We are the champions!

Phelps wins historic eighth gold 23-year-old Michael Phelps won his 8th Olympic gold medal of the Beijing Games to beat Spitz's 1972 record of 7, with victory in the 4x100m medley. He teamed up with Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen and Jason Lezak to claim the historic gold in a new world record time

Bolt grabs third gold and record Usain Bolt made a 3rd world record after Jamaica claimed men's 4x100m relay gold by a huge margin

Finally Something Good on TV Award

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/canadas-final-olympic-medal-haul.html

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/gold-and-silver-for-canada-on-day-14-in.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/canadian-medal-winners-thus-far-day-12.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/gold-medal-redemption-for-canadian-mens.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/canada-grabs-three-medals-in-less-than.html

Wacky or Funny News Story or Post of the Year
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/01/new-board-game-comes-with-sobering.html

Bizzaro World Award

Banjo Boy Award

Captive woman had 7 children by father Police believe a 73-year-old man held his daughter captive in his cellar for the past two decades and had seven children with her

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/11/human-cock-fighting-gets-mom-son.html

On the Horizon Award

Ottawa to announce its contribution; Bush announces $17.4 billion rescue of GM, Chrysler; Package sets deadline for restructuring; Unions told to accept deep cuts to keep their jobs.

How will the U.S auto sector bailout effect ailing world economy.
Canadian auto bailout expected to top $4 billion

Career Achievement Award

Simply the best
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/11/connie-smith-signs-off-for-last-time.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/11/remembrering-norm-marshall.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/saying-thanks-and-goodbye-to-local.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/remembering-little-general_21.html

Tragic Story of the Year
World markets plunge on U.S. fears Stock markets were, prompted by pessimism about Bush's plans to boost the U.S. economy. India's Sensex stock index fell nearly 11%

http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/08/big-tiger-cat-roar-for-leif-petterson.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/clark-parker.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/saying-goodbye-to-canadian-guitar.html

Later,
Kenaz

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Winter 2009 Tarot and Rune Reading

2008-12-21T20:35:00.002-05:00
Tarot and Rune Reading

What does the Winter 2009 have in store for me?

The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most popular Tarot spreads, providing varied insight into many aspects of a complex situation and your role in it. The Cat People Tarot paints a picture of faraway lands trod by mystical archetypes and their feline companions. This deck is a perfect tool for dreamers and idealists, and is a great choice for divining the nature of human imagination.
The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Five of Wands (Strife), when reversed: Trickery. Contradictions. Complexity. Involvement. Caution against indecision.
The card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. The Empress: Feminine progress. Action. Natural energy. Development. Fruitfulness. Accomplishment. Interest in day-to-day details. Mother. Sister. Wife. Marriage. Children. Feminine influence. Material wealth. Evolution. A leader. Decisions founded upon all the facts at hand. The motivator of a successful partner or husband. Businesswoman.
The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Lovers: Love. Beauty. Perfection. Harmony. Unanimity. Trials overcome. Trust. Honor. Possibly the beginning of a romance. Deep feeling. Development. Optimism. Letting oneself go. Freedom of emotion. The necessity of testing or subjecting to trial. Struggle between sacred and profane love. Examining. Yearning. Possible predicaments. A person deeply involved in the emotions and problems of a friend or relative. A meaningful affair.
The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ace of Cups, when reversed: Change. Alteration. Erosion. Instability. Sterility. Unrequited love. Clouded joy. False heart. Inconsistency.
The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Two of Pentacles (Change): Difficulty in launching new projects. Difficult situations arising. New troubles. Embarrassment. Worry. Concern.
The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Hanged Man, when reversed: Lack of sacrifice. Unwillingness to make the necessary effort. failure to give one's self. Preoccupation with the ego. False prophecy. Useless sacrifice.
The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Wheel of Fortune: Destiny. Fortune. Outcome. Felicity. Godsend. Special gain or unusual loss. Result. Approaching the end of a problem. The influences affecting the outcome of a problem. Inevitability. Unexpected events may occur. The course of things from beginning to end. Advancement for better or worse. Progress. Good or bad luck depending on nearby cards.
The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Cups (Happiness): Success. Material attainment. Advantage. Well-being. Abundance. Good health. Victory. Difficulties surmounted.
The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Eight of Wands (Swiftness): Swift activity. Sudden progress or movement. Speed. Hastily made decisions. Too rapid advancement.
The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Ace of Pentacles, when reversed: Prosperity without happiness. Misused wealth. Wasted money. Corruption by money. Miserliness. Greed. Fool's gold.

What does the Winter 2009 have in store for me?

The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.
The left rune represents an important element of the past. Ansuz refers to a god or the spoken word of God. It is the voice of reason, law, prophecy and truth. It is the truth heard in the wind. This rune represents wisdom obtained or knowledge delivered. It is the rune of absolute good advice and true council - the message we all must strive to hear.
The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Berkana, the birch tree, is representative of rebirth, fertility, and a positive outcome to ventures undertaken. It is also the rune of families. Here the rune is reversed, warning you to be heedful of new beginnings, lest they sour. Rebirth is either delayed, or totally disrupted. There is also a warning of family troubles.
The top rune represents a force that works for you. Tyr was the Norse god of war. It was through his sacrifice that the great force of chaos, the wolf Fenrir was bound. Here however, you have drawn the rune reversed. This could mean that a sacrifice made will not lead to the desired result. It could also mean a loss, or a victory overturned. This rune warns against entering into conflicts or negotiations, especially ones requiring that an offering or concession be made - the wolf might take your hand and yet remain unbound. Note also that Tyr was the god of law, so there is a suggestion of a wrongdoer who will avoid justice.
The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Isa is the rune symbolizing Ice - cold, stagnant, frozen, and unchanging. This rune suggests heat removed not just from anger or conflict, but from passion as well. Paradoxically, Isa conveys images of slippery slopes and unsure footing, but also of circumstances that have crystallized and become utterly immutable. Remember that in the cold north, ice is not just THE challenge to be overcome, but the very nature of the environment. Be courageous, for you work against this element every day. Will you fight alone or with others against this, our common foe? Is there much worse than lack of change?
The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Ger is one of the runes that touches on the cycles of the year, in this case the fall harvest. These cycles are eternal, which is represented in the rune by the fact that it is unchanged by reversal. Ger can represent pregnancy or other forms of fruitfulness, and is especially indicative of the cycles of providence and karma - that which has been sown is now being reaped. This rune can also represent the cycles of wealth, for crops were frequently a sign of wealth.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Sadness for three more Canadian deaths in Afghanistan

2008-12-15T21:10:00.001-05:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.
Private John Michael Roy Curwin, Corporal Thomas James Hamilton and Private Justin Peter Jones were killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District on Dec. 13, 2008.
Three Canadian soldiers have died west of Kandahar city, after their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. A fourth soldier was injured in the blast.

The soldiers killed have been identified as: Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton, Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin and Pte. Justin Peter Jones. All three were with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, RCR based in Gagetown, New Brunswick. They were members of the Quick Reaction Force, or QRF, a team of soldiers that are usually called out to emergency situations within Kandahar City or just outside city limits. The soldiers were responding to a call that a bomb was being planted along the highway that runs from Kandahar city to the border of Helmand province.
Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, commander of Task Force Kandahar, told reporters that Hamilton, or "Hammy," was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and had a young daughter, named Annabella. Hamilton had previously served in Haiti.
Curwin was described as a "family man," who had three children .

Jones, or "Jonesy" as he was called, of Baie Verte, N.L., was known for his kindness and his love of the guitar, Thompson said.
The injured soldier is in fair condition at the military hospital at Kandahar Air Field. The news of the soldiers' deaths came as 1,000 mourners paid tribute to Cpl. Mark Robert McLaren in a Peterborough, Ont., drill hall. He was one of three soldiers killed in a roadside blast on Dec. 5, bringing Canada's troop death toll to the grim milestone of 100.

With the latest attack, that toll has now risen to 103. A Canadian diplomat has also been killed.
Peace.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Barton East will lose a marvellous curiosity

2008-12-08T05:30:00.001-05:00
A walk down Barton Street East to Lottridge, not far past Sherman will transport you back to the 1950's. A time before big box drugstores, a time when a drugstore called Littlewood's provided relief too all that ailed you. The door has been closed for decades but the curiosity still lives on.

View Larger Map

Through the grimy windows you can see how the store was the day the doors closed, providing future generations a snapshot of life in a simpler time. The products are still on the shelves. Soft Spraze hairspray, Vam, Blondex, Stripe toothpaste for 43 cents, nylon stockings from the pre-pantyhose days.

George Littlewood Jr. tried to give a run at running the family business after his father George Sr. died in 1961 but it was a short lived attempt. The doors closed for good, but George Jr. couldn't bare to give up a piece of family tradition so the store sat unoccupied all these years until recently.

The building is for sale at $79,900. That amount, and a lot more, will soon be fanned out to charity. That was the wish of George Littlewood Jr., who died of cancer Oct. 7 at 83.

The Hanson wicker baby scales are still ready for service. On the counter sits the chrome National cash register. Behind the counter, where the pharmacist could size you up first, are the Trojan-ENZ condoms, three dozen for $4.50.

There's Kan-Kil bug killer and Weed-No-More, from the days when DDT was just fine. Enema syringes. Kellogg's Asthma Relief -- one teaspoon on a plate, light it and "inhale smoke freely."

Over the store, there's one apartment. A woman in her 80s lives there with her son. She has rented the place for some 35 years and the rent never increased -- $110 a month. There was a kind heart of lion beating in a man who was known for his tight reign on his money. Many worthy causes will reap the rewards of Georges frugality's.

Fifteen years ago, George made his will. He put together a list of 10 charities -- including the Humane Society, the Harbour Rescue Mission, the CNIB.

Video courtesy of Paul Wilson, a street beat reporter with the Hamilton Spectator.

Littlewoods Drugstore -

Later,
Kenaz

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

100th Canadian Hero to give their all in Afghanistan

2008-12-07T13:15:00.002-05:00

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.

"Canada lost three fine soldiers today," Brigadier-General Denis Thompson said, Kandahar Airfield's marble cenotaph -- home to the names of 97 other fallen troops -- visible in the background.

"Already there is talk of numbers and milestones, but it is my hope that the focus remains on the lives and the sacrifices of these brave soldiers as they served Canada in the effort to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan."
The ever-present perils of southern Afghanistan's dusty, dangerous roads claimed the lives of three more Canadian soldiers yesterday, pushing the death toll for Canada's military mission in this battle-bruised country to a tragic new benchmark.

"Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson was known to all simply as R.J.," Thompson said. "This was his second tour in Afghanistan."

Wilson's wife is also a soldier and is currently serving in Afghanistan. She will return home with his remains.

Thompson described McLaren as a veteran of the Afghan mission who was wounded in 2006, but returned eagerly in order to finish the job.

"A few weeks ago, Mark risked his life by crawling toward an Afghan soldier who had been shot to provide first aid while under fire," Thompson said.

He described Diplaros as an exceptional driver and gunner who performed "remarkably" on his first tour -- a soldier "generally known to his friends and colleagues as Dip, because of their inability to properly pronounce his name."
Corporal Mark Robert McLaren, Private Demetrios Diplaros and Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson all died when their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Arghandab district west of Kandahar city.

The ensuing blast heralded a milestone long feared and all but inevitable: 100 Canadian soldiers participating in the Afghan mission have been killed since the deployment began in 2002.
All three Canadian casualties -- members of the Operational Liaison and Mentoring Team, which trains members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) -- were from the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont.
The deaths mark the first fatalities for the current rotation of soldiers in the battle group that arrived in Afghanistan in mid-September, and the end of a three-month period without fatalities -- the longest such reprieve since the first Canadian battle group was deployed to Kandahar in early 2006.
The three soldiers were involved in normal "framework operations" with the ANA when the IED exploded, said Thompson. "This was a very large IED. It killed them all instantly, without question."

In a separate incident about an hour earlier, two other Canadian soldiers were injured -- one seriously -- in an explosion during a foot patrol along with members of the ANA in the dangerous Zhari district west of Kandahar city.

IEDs, long the weapon of choice for Taliban insurgents, have been responsible for the majority of the Canadian military deaths on Afghan soil -- 14 this year alone.

Prior to yesterday, the last occurred Sept. 7 -- the same day Harper called the Oct. 14 election -- when Sergeant Prescott (Scott) Shipway, of Esterhazy, Sask., was killed by a roadside bomb explosion in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar.
The lack of Canadian fatalities over the past three months do not mean it's been quiet, Thompson added, nor does yesterday's setback mean his men won't soldier on.
Peace

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

'Human cock fighting' gets mom, son arrested in Brantford

2008-11-30T14:00:00.000-05:00
A Brantford teen's wish for an after-school activity has led to the boy and his mother facing charges for staging illegal backyard fights that were refereed by the mother. They also get my "Banjo Boy Award" this year for sure ignorance. Sure beats the hell out of the idiot who tried to rob a GO bus last year. (Check out my Annual list of notable posts from last year)

Cue the banjo music now, police said students at Brantford Collegiate Institute paid 25 cents to watch matches in the backyard of the Brantford home over the past two months. They said 70 to 100 people were present on one occasion and the students wore no protective headgear. The woman, 36, and her son, 16, are charged with prizefighting. Police can't release the woman's name because it would identify her son who is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which by design helps morons like this.

Both mother and son admit to the fighting but deny there was any money involved. No money? The fee went to buying pizza and water. The woman, who is a practical nurse, I hope had common sense to keep some bandages on hand.

Whether money was involved or not it doesn't matter this was human cock fighting at it's worst. I'm just glad there where no serious injuries or death. The kicker, the woman, who is a mixed martial arts trainer and has professional boxers in her family, says the idea came out of her son's desire for after-school activity.

Her son couldn't play high school football this year because it conflicted with his duties as a native youth manning posts at native-occupied sites in Brantford. Altered scheduling at BCI because of construction means her son gets out of school midday with little to do until bedtime. Don't worry her explanation gets dumber!

She said the 16-year-old and her 15-year-old son put their heads together and came up with the fight match idea(!?)

She said she laid out clear guidelines. Fights had to be consensual. Kids were required to wear proper MMA gloves and were teamed according to body weight and skill. According to her, the fights happened on Friday afternoons for roughly one month from mid-October to mid-November. Yet, a girl told the police she refused to fight when she learned the fight with another girl would be bare knuckles and include weapons like brass knuckles.

She said she spoke with the high school resource officer posted at the school three days before the last match and he assured her the match was OK because it was on private property and an adult was present. I doubt this conversation occurred like she says, no officer would okay this.

The officer acted as soon as he spoke to students who said they were charged the fee to watch. Not to mention, some neibours report kids throwing up on their property after the fights and using the area as a bathroom.

More to come from this story,
Kenaz

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Connie Smith signs off for the last time

2008-11-29T14:07:00.002-05:00
Hamilton is currently in a state of upheaval -- Mohawk College, McMaster Children's Hospital, Joseph Brant Hospital and the City of Hamilton are all searching for candidates to fill top positions -- and recent changes to CHCH contribute to my feeling the city is losing it's identity.

The station on November 14th made proposals to Dan McLean and Connie Smith, who co-host the station's noon news, that could lead the pair to leave the station they both have called home since the 1970s.

The actions follow job cuts and program cancellations two days earlier to help parent company Canwest Global Communications deal with cost pressures. Canwest announced it will chop 560 jobs to save $61 million. It lost $21.5 million in the first nine months of its business year on $2.4 billion revenue.

The company said 210 jobs will be cut through restructuring of news operations at its E! stations, which includes Hamilton. The station will chop 14 jobs, cancel four TV programs, reduce its noon news to 30 minutes and close its Halton news bureau.

McLean, 61, has been at the station since 1971 and hosted two talk shows before becoming a news anchor in 1980. Smith, 54, has been at the station since 1976. Her station bio says she was the first woman weather person at CHCH and was the first woman anchor of the weekday news. She launched the first noon news show in 1988 with the late Tom Cherington.

Veteran anchor Connie Smith signed off for the last time Friday. The popular co-anchor, 54, delivered a from-the-heart goodbye to colleagues and viewers. Smith even made a surprise appearance on the viewing couch in the film review segment with Alex Reynolds.

In her farewell, Smith thanked CHCH for “taking a chance” putting a woman behind the weekday news desk. Then, she spoke directly to viewers: “I am so indebted to you, for the way you have followed my career ... literally watching me grow up on this television station, your unwavering support over the years. Thank you for allowing me into your hearts, into your homes, for sharing your stories.”

Dan McLean can't comment about his future at the station. For Hamiltonian's this turn of events leaves the same choking in the throat and sick feeling in the gut as those who had when Gretzky left Edmonton. Dan and Connie where our daily slice of piece of mind even when they had bad news to tell us. Everything will be all right once again, but it will take along time for someone to fill the big shoes of these two living legends.

Good luck, love ya.
Kendall

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Some early Christmas warm and fuzzies

2008-11-26T18:24:00.000-05:00
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A volunteer ringing the bell at a Salvation Army kettle in south-central Pennsylvania got an unusual donation: a diamond ring. The ring was handed to August Memmi, who volunteered for the Salvation Army in Harrisburg during his lunch hour Tuesday.

The young man told Memmi that he'd bought the ring for his mother using money he'd earned mowing lawns, but she died this year and he wanted to put it to good use.

The ring's value was unclear Tuesday; the Salvation Army planned to have it appraised.

There is hope for the human spirit.

Later,
Kenaz

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Remembrance Day for the soldiers in Afghanistan

2008-11-11T11:00:00.003-05:00

It’ll be the pictures — 97 of them, engraved in sombre black stone on the small square in the Canadian section of Kandahar Airfield that will get many soldiers stationed in Afghanistan when they gather at the square Tuesday to mark Remembrance Day. Unfortunately Rememberance Day is not a Canadian holiday as it should. The day to remember the sacrifices of all men and women who did their part in all theatres of war have been lost on many of our politicians and some Canadians who don't get it. This is a small tribute to them.

Canadian soldiers to receive medals for heroism in Afghan combat

The five members of a combat team who fought their way out of an ambush in Afghanistan are among 11 soldiers to receive heroism medals from Governor General Michaëlle Jean.

Members of that team have been awarded two Stars of Military Valour — the country's second-highest award for gallantry under fire — and three Medals of Military Valour for a single action last spring. The incident occurred on June 4, when a joint Canadian-Afghan patrol ran into a three-sided Taliban ambush in Zhari district, west of Kandahar.

Capt. Jonathan Snyder rallied the troops to return fire, Cpl. James Ball led a team to find a way out of the ambush, while Capt. Robert Peel, Cpl. Steven Bancarz and Cpl. Cary Baker stood their ground to cover the unit's retreat. Ball and Snyder were awarded Stars of Military Valour, while Peel, Bancarz and Baker received Medals of Military Valour. Snyder died in a freak accident a few days after the ambush, falling into an open well during a night patrol on June 7.

Other soldiers receiving Medals of Military Valour are Maj. Joseph Abboud, Cpl. Alexandre Dion, Master Cpl. Christopher Harding and Warrant Officer Tod Hopkin. Cpl. Bryce Keller has also been awarded the medal posthumously. He died in combat in Afghanistan on Aug. 3 2006.

U.S. awards medals to Canadian soldiers

Thirty Canadian soldiers received Bronze Star medals from the United States for bravery and meritorious service in Afghanistan. Pte. Richard Green, Pte. Nathan Smith, Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer and Sgt. Marc Leger were killed in April 2002 when a U.S. jet dropped a bomb on them during training exercises. The American pilots say they believed they were under attack.

Twenty-six other soldiers from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group also received the medals, which are presented to troops who face enemy fire.
Peace,
Kenaz

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Remembrering Norm Marshall

2008-11-08T18:08:00.000-05:00
Remembering Norm Marshall as the consummate professional and Hamilton legend. The Hamilton broadcasting icon died at his Burlington home November 5,2008. He was 89.

Marshall began his career with CKTB in St. Catharines as a teenager singing on air before moving to CHML in Hamilton in 1940. It was at CHML that he became a part of the Hamilton sports scene, broadcasting the play-by-play for Tiger Cats games. In November 1952, Marshall and Larry O'Brien were the commentators for the first televised Grey Cup game.

After stints in Montreal, Detroit and Buffalo, Marshall returned to Hamilton to continue the Ticat broadcasts. He also moved from behind the mic to in front of the camera as an anchor and sports commentator. He would remain at CHCH for over thirty years.

Rest in Peace,
Kenaz

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Dhinsa case a bitter pill to swallow

2008-10-26T21:33:00.000-04:00
The group of good ol' boys that make up the Hamilton Police Service board once again showed how incompetent they are.

The "Thin Blue Line" that protects Kevin Dhinsa should be replaced with a "Wailing Wall" of outrage from everyone -- women and real men who care about them, taxpayers, politicians and other police officers, every citizen of Hamilton who expect a transparent police accountability system, and a fair justice system. Those who believe that an Orwellian society only exists in fiction can think again.

Dhinsa, a Hamilton police sergeant, has been suspended with pay since late 2005 in accordance to the Police Services Act. That legislation, which governs Ontario's sworn officers, says until an officer is found guilty and all appeals are exhausted, they can be suspended from performing their duties. But they shall continue -- for weeks and months, even years -- to collect their pay cheques. They continue to accumulate sick days. Get raises. Have benefits.

Ontario police are the only law enforcement officers in Canada who must be suspended with pay. In all other jurisdictions, police acts give chiefs discretion to decide, case by case, whether to suspend with or without pay.

Dhinsa faced charges under the Police Services Act -- 24 counts of sexual harassment against 12 female co-workers. The charges were thrown out by a tribunal because charges were laid eight days after a six-month deadline had passed. Appeals failed, including one this week to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Dhinsa will get to to go back to work which could only poison the 'office' environment. How can anyone expect the same level of respect and trust between the Sergeant and those entrusted to his decision making that occurred before this fiasco?

Not the taxpayers are on the hook for $20,000 in police service legal costs as well as some of Dhinsa's costs. Definitely not the twelve women -- some of them Dhinsa's subordinates in the Hamilton police hierarchy and who risked colleagues' disbelief, criticism, even ostracism by complaining.

Neither the women nor Dhinsa had a chance to make their case, so it is not my stance to create a conspiracy theory about what should have or could have. My point is still the same as the one I made in my original post in 2007, one about perception. Someone quoted once "Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted" Perceptions are like jagged rocks in what is the murky waters that contain the life forces of Hamilton citizens.

The facts are, justice was denied to the women who courageously went on record with their complaints against Dhinsa. Many workplaces deal expiditiously with serious complaints, but police services have been notorious for their wall of silence. This affair sets Hamilton Police Service back by a significant measure.

Why were the police act charges filed eight days late? In a matter involving alleged serial harassment by a high-profile police officer, the expectation is that procedure would be scrupulously followed and required steps would be taken not just on time, but early.

The Hamilton Police Service and the Hamilton Police Services Board need to clear the air, be accountable for this failure of process, and put measures in place to ensure it doesn't happen again.

In Toronto, such measures have been suggested. The list of cops suspended with pay in recent years includes one convicted of murdering his girlfriend, another charged with sexually assaulting children, another accused of a bank robbery and one alleged to be a drug dealer. For Toronto Chief Bill Blair, it isn't about money. It's about public trust.

The act "affords a shield" for cops accused of serious offences, says Blair, who commands 6,000 officers and 2,500 civilian employees. At any given time, he has about 13 officers on paid suspension, each costing about $100,000 annually. While his service, he says, tries to be "open and transparent" about accused officers, the public assumes the chief has chosen to pay a suspended officer's salary. What Blair wants is discretion.

If an officer is accused of a serious crime unrelated to the performance of duty, he wants to suspend without pay. That decision, he says, could be reviewed by the police services board, the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services or by divisional court. If, however, an officer faces allegations related to their work, he can continue paying them. Officers need to be protected against false accusations and at risk of being charged with an offence. After all, cops use force and drive fast.

Blair took his concerns to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and it unanimously voted for an amendment to the Police Services Act. A similar resolution was passed by the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards, whose president at the time was Bernie Morelli, chair of the Hamilton Police Services Board.

Blair made another bold move. Two years ago, he began ordering all his suspended officers to sign in at their regular station at 9 a.m. from Monday to Friday and to sign out again at 5 p.m. It didn't matter if that officer lived far away or if it was otherwise inconvenient. Hamilton Chief Brian Mullan says he may follow Blair's lead and require twice-a-day reporting. Currently he has suspended officers sign in once or twice weekly.

The women involved deserve a full explanation and a formal apology better than the one given by Bernie Morelli, he chair of the Hamilton Police Services Board has apologized to the community, but he is not admitting fault. Without a proper airing, the smell of rot will linger a long time.

Kenaz

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Saying thanks and goodbye to a local gridiron giant and a Hollywood beheamouth

2008-09-28T14:35:00.000-04:00
Hamilton's Man of steel, Ralph Sazio
Sazio was a strict disciplinarian who brought high-spirited Angelo Mosca into line when Big Ang came from stints with Ottawa and Montreal.

"He said 'One slip and you're gone.' And Ang was fine."

Mosca laughed when remembering his relationship with his friend, he still had some mischief left in him, but he loved playing for Sazio. Still, the two often locked horns.

"I remember I had a great 1963 season playing both ways, and when I sat down to negotiate a contract, Ralph handed me the phone and said 'See what kind of deal you can get (elsewhere). I threw the phone at the wall. He picked it up and threw it back at me."

But Mosca stressed Sazio had a very caring side and helped many community efforts.

Ralph Sazio, who died suddenly at his home Thursday at 86, was the irresistible force that moved every object in his way no matter how immovable they thought they where. Another Hamilton hero's passing that caught everyone off guard.

"He was fine except for some back problems from the ravages of football," son Mark Sazio said.

Sazio's passing falls closely on the heels of Ron Lancaster's death a week ago Thursday. And the executive Sazio first worked for in Hamilton, former Canadian Football League commissioner Jake Gaudaur, also died in the past year.

1922 - Born in Avellino, New Jersey
1950 - Came to Hamilton to play for the Tiger-Cats
1953 - Became an assistant coach with the team
1963 - Became head coach of the Ticats
1964 - Won the Annis Stukus Trophy as top CFL coach
1967 - Won his third Grey Cup in five seasons
1968 - Became the Tiger-Cat general manager
1978 - Became Ticat president
1981 - Became Toronto Argonauts president
1983 - Engineered first Argo Grey Cup in 31 years
1988 - Inducted into Canadian Football Hall of Fame
1990 - Retired as Argo president
Sept. 25, 2008 - Passed away

Ralph Sazio came to Hamilton after serving in the Second World War and graduating with an arts degree from New York's Columbia University. The family settled in Burlington's Aldershot area, when it still was mostly fruit trees.

The big lineman was smart as a player, coach, manager and businessman. During his final year as coach, Sazio's Tabbies lost in the regular season to Lancaster's Saskatchewan Roughriders.

With a beat me once, never twice attitude, the Cats simply punished the league thereafter. No team could score a touchdown on Hamilton after that - they won seven games in a row, including a 24-1 pasting of the Roughriders in the Grey Cup game.

Oskie-Wee-Wee!!!
Kenaz

Paul Newman, cold hand of fate no match for Cool Hand

Paul Newman, the Oscar-winning superstar who personified cool as the anti-hero of such films as "Hud,'' ``Cool Hand Luke" and "The Color of Money" – followed by a second act as an activist, race car driver and popcorn impresario – has died. He was 83. Newman died Friday at his farmhouse near Westport following a long battle with cancer.

As an actor, Newman got his start in theater and on television during the 1950s, and went on to become one of the world's most enduring and popular film stars, a legend held in awe by his peers. He was nominated for Academy Awards 10 times, winning one Oscar and two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Exodus,'' "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,'' "The Verdict,'' "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice.''

Newman worked with some of the greatest directors of the past half century, from Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston to Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers. His co-stars included Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and, most famously, Robert Redford, his sidekick in "Butch Cassidy" and "The Sting.''

He sometimes teamed with his wife and fellow Oscar winner, Joanne Woodward, with whom he had one of Hollywood's rare long-term marriages. "I have steak at home, why go out for hamburger?'' Newman told Playboy magazine when asked if he was tempted to stray. They wed in 1958, around the same time they both appeared in "The Long Hot Summer." Newman also directed her in several films, including "Rachel, Rachel" and "The Glass Menagerie.''

In 1982, Newman and his Westport neighbor, writer A.E. Hotchner, started a company to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman's Own, which began as a joke, grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All of the company's profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million, according to its Web site.
R.I.P,

film bio and life story

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Fall Equinox 2008 Tarot and Rune Reading

2008-09-22T20:05:00.000-04:00

It's September 22, the first day of fall. Astronomers call this day the autumnal equinox. The word equinox derives from two Latin words meaning "equal night." It is one of only two days in the year (the other being the vernal or spring equinox) when the sun is directly perpendicular to the equator, resulting in exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The sun rises at the South Pole today for the first time in six months. Here in Canada it's harvest time.
In celebration of the beginning of the season of thanks I bring you my fall Tarot and Rune reading. By the looks of things it will be another season filled with intrigue, ventures into the unknown and a time to expect the unexpected!!!

The question as always is What does the fall have in store for me?

TAROT

The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most popular Tarot spreads, providing varied insight into many aspects of a complex situation and your role in it. The Cat People Tarot paints a picture of faraway lands trod by mystical archetypes and their feline companions. This deck is a perfect tool for dreamers and idealists, and is a great choice for divining the nature of human imagination.
The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Page of Swords: A person adept at perceiving and uncovering the unknown or that which is less than obvious. Insight. Vigilance. Agility. Spying. A discreet person. An active youth. A lithe figure alert to unknown dangers.
The card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. Death: Transformation. Clearing away the old to make way for the new. Risk for renewal. Unexpected change. Loss. Failure. Abrupt change of the old self, though not necessarily physical death. The ending of a familiar situation or friendship. Loss of income or financial security. Beginning of new era. Illness, possibly even death. Streak of bad luck. A loan that will not be repaid.
The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Tower: Complete and sudden change. Breakdown of old beliefs. Abandonment of past relationships. Severing of a friendship. Change of opinion. Unexpected events. Disruption. Bankruptcy. Termination. Havoc. Downfall. Undoing. Loss of stability. A sudden even that destroys trust. Loss of money. Loss of security. Loss of love and affection. Setback. Terrible change. Unforeseen accident.
The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Temperance: Moderation. Temperance. Patience. That which can be accomplished through self-control and frugality. Accommodation. Harmony. The mixing or bringing together into perfect union. Management. Compatibility. Fusion. Good influence. Fortunate omen. Consolidation. Possibly a person without excessive tendencies. Confidence and placidity. Possibly too temperate and moderate to achieve a goal presently out of reach.
The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Nine of Wands (Strength): Expectation of difficulties and changes. Awaiting tribulation. Anticipation. Hidden enemies. Discipline. Order. A pause in a current struggle.
The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ace of Wands, when reversed: False start. Cloudy outlook. Unrealized goal. Decadence. Empty existence. Vexation. Cancellation of plans.
The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Nine of Swords (Cruelty): Misery. Concern. Quarrel. Unhappiness. Miscarriage. Anxiety over a loved one. Worry. Despair. Suffering.
The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ten of Swords (Ruin): Ruin. Pain. Affliction. Sadness. Mental anguish. Desolation. Tears. Misfortune. Trouble. Disappointment.
The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Seven of Wands (Valor): Success. Gain. Overcoming obstacles and challenges. Advantage. Victory.
The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Page of Cups: A studious and intent person. Reflective, meditative and loyal person. Willingness to offer services and efforts toward a specific goal. A helpful person. A trustworthy worker.

RUNE

The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.
The left rune represents an important element of the past. Man refers to Mankind and your interaction with the whole of human population. This rune is reversed, suggesting a separation from your fellow man. There is a lack of harmony in your interaction with others, either because you do not accept society or society does not accept you. Alternatively, this rune may also represent your separation from nature, and your ability to rise above the base level of being. As the rune is reversed, this may suggest an incomplete level of spiritual attainment or an intellectual block.
The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Ehwaz is representative of the eight-legged horse ridden by the god Odin. As such, this is the rune of controlled movement and travel, including the pursuit of an objective or station in life. Since some older sources show Odin not as a man riding a horse but as a centaur-like being, this rune can also represent the union of man and nature, or the fusion of two entities in perfect harmony. As this rune is reversed, this could bode poorly for travel or for the vehicle involved. In the more spiritual sense, this rune could represent difficulties in self-improvement or other attempts at advancement. Finally, it may represent a splitting of two or the inability of two to act as one.
The top rune represents a force that works for you. Berkana represents the birch tree. The birch is frequently symbolic of renewal, rebirth, birth, growth and fertility. This rune is a joyous one, representing good outcomes from ventures undertaken. It is the rune of the family and of a good household.
The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Wunjo is the rune of joy. The reversal of this rune suggests that joy is withheld. Since joy is frequently communal, this rune often suggests loneliness. Alternatively, some have seen Wunjo as the rune of perfection and the rune of the gods. Therefore this rune reversed could signal a feeling of separation from one's deity, or as imperfection in an important work.
The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved...
Later, Kenaz

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Remembering "The Little General"

2008-09-21T21:16:00.000-04:00

Ron Lancaster's story is the history of almost half a century of the Canadian
Football League. He's done it all - from quarterback and head coach, to
general manager and broadcaster. An American export turned Canadian hero,
his was a triumph of skill and brains over brawn and bravado. An underdog
who rose to glory in an underdog league, the "Little General" battled the
odds to become a football legend.

Lancaster's roots run deep in the blue collar steel town of
Clairton, Pennsylvania, where football was a religion. A standout high school
quarterback, he lacked one major attribute - size. A mere 5'5'' tall, Lancaster
was shunned by the big U.S. colleges. Instead he played for Ohio's tiny
Wittenburg University, where he gained a reputation for his great throwing
arm and strong leadership. Overlooked by the NFL, he was scouted by a team
he'd barely heard of - the Ottawa Roughriders. And the rest is CFL history.

Dramatic football footage illustrates a rollercoaster career. From "the
Miracle Game" of 1963, when "the little General" lead underdog Saskatchewan
to last minute victory over Calgary, to losing streaks and Grey Cup glory
- this is the story of a man with an indomitable will. A who's who of football
greats shared anecdotes and memories after his passing- including Russ Jackson,
"Ron and I first crossed paths in 1960 in Ottawa," said Russ Jackson, the legendary former Riders quarterback. "We sat beside each other in the locker-room but it was never a situation where 'I hate you, I don't want you to do well.' I think that was because of our personalities and that we both appreciated each other's ability and understanding of the game."

Despite being rivals, Jackson said he and Lancaster always wanted to help each other out.

"If the team did well, then we all did well," said Jackson. "In those days, you played with many of the same players for years and developed relationships with them. Later on, Ron and I became very close friends when he was coaching the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and I was working on the radio broadcasts because we'd spend a lot of time talking about football."
Hugh Campbell

Campbell said as a player Lancaster was a stickler for detail and demanded that his team practise hard because it would carry over to the football field. It's those qualities, Campbell added, that made Lancaster a great coach.

"It was just the smoothest and greatest of situations because he had a good idea of what to do and what he wanted to do and had a way of demanding it," he said. "At the same time all the players knew that he loved them and was on their side.

"As a player he was the toughest mentally. He made sure in practice you hustled as hard as you did in a game so that he could get the feel for what it would be like in the game. As a coach, his players had a great feel for him, the fans had a great feel for him because they had confidence he knew what he was doing."

On the sidelines, Lancaster earned a reputation of being a player's coach. He'd often give his troops the freedom to have fun, but demanded discipline and dedication on the field.

"Ron was a person people gravitated to," said former punter Sean Flemming, who played for Lancaster in Edmonton. "Loyal to his players almost to a fault, genuine to those he didn't know.

"Ron always said that the biggest compliment you could give a football player was to call him just that, a player. Someone who went out and did their job without any other reason but for the love of the game and for those around him. Ron was all that and more: He was a player, he was a coach, but most of all he was a great man."
and George Reed.
"We'd always have to grab him by the neck and put him on the bus, otherwise we would've been sitting there for three years (talking to people)," said George Reed, the Riders' legendary fullback. "He had that way of really mingling with the people and giving them his time and talking to them.

"He just had a way with people and people loved to talk to him. He always had time."

Sons Ron jr.
and Bob both played quarterback and coached, and grandson Marc is the high school quarterback.

more tributes from other CFL ledgends

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