The Eternal Kenaz

BACKGROUND STORY

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:08:00 -0400

I am putting together a list of best places to eat cheap in Hamilton- according to the following criteria.

The parametres are broad, all cuisines, all eateries, food trucks. Provide a list of what you ate, take a picture even, and provide the cost. Remember 3 courses under $20.00 or a quick snack or sandwich under $10.00. Lets get a list that gives the little man a shout out, the chains can do that themselves.

If you would like to add to the list, email me at eternalkenaz@gmail.com

click on the title link to view the mission statement and the list.

THE BACKGROUND STORY

I received some mass email from Councilor Merulla to all HSR drivers in error. Thanks Sam for this timely update, but I am not an HSR employee. I appreciate the detour info, albeit I don't travel the MOHAWK line to often. If any Barton or King detour info pops up, please feel free to include me in your mass email list. On an even lighter note, a while back you passed on some of my concerns as follows,

REPLY From: The General Manager

Subject: RE: (Edit) City workers visiting local bar

Councillor Merulla and Mr. Oliphant,

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.

Upon detailed investigation by the Manager of Roads it has been determined that a crew of employees had stopped in this area for a break when observed by Mr. Oliphant.

The GPS system that is installed on the truck confirmed that the vehicle was standing for fifteen minutes. Interviews confirmed that Espresso Coffee was consumed at the Club.

Thank you.

I would have to say I wouldn't be caught dead in these dive bars, but hey if city employees still find their Espresso Coffee the bomb, who am I to say. Maybe a community newsletter should follow, "Best dumps to get your buzz on, according to the public works department". Seriously, I wouldn't go a salon and get my haircut because they served you a drink while you are waiting(I read it in the Spec, it had to be true). Why would you get a coffee at a bar, that doesn't sell food(solid)?

THE WHEELS START TURNING

I got to thinking and thought the rest of council could help with the idea floating around my brain,

Hi, firstly thank to all of you councilors and Mr. Mayor,

This email, I hope provokes some much needed laughter in your busy lives. I originally sent this email in reply to one sent by Councillor Merulla, in which he perplexed me with his thankful concern to HSR drivers to avoid a manhole repair, the problem is I have never been a employee of the HSR. I would though, be grateful to any other councilors who could provide me with any other similar updates on HSR detours as I do use many hsr routes in my daily commutes. As far as the second half of my inquiry to Mr. Merulla, it concerned an old email in which I felt it wasn't appropriate for city workers to get their coffee buzz at a couple of North end dive bars. I was assured as you will read by (the General Manager), these transactions where above par. Please, I would love to gather a list of Hamilton "five star dive bars" a term coined by Food Channel Cook Guy Fieri, in which I could post on my blog to ensure these businesses are the tops according to Hamilton city employees.

To all a great weekend and please come visit he hood and maybe we can have a coffee.

I couldn't believe it when I got replies that where not nasty! In fact showed Councillors actually have a personality(sic)

Firstly,

Kendall,

Thanks for sharing your email.

I have to admit that I no longer attend "five star dives". You see recently, I leaned back in a new city hall chair and heard something snap. At first, I thought it was just one of my stiff joints. However, when I looked up... I noticed everyone was smiling at me. Well, that was the first day of my new "triple d" diet. However,I am still a fan of "diners, drive-ins, and dives", but I just look and don't eat. ;-)

Brad

Brad Clark
Councillor Ward 9
Heritage Stoney Creek

Secondly

Hello Kendall
Thanks for your email and it accomplished what you set out to do. It brought a smile to my face.
As for diners that are on the bus route in Ward 11? Ward 11 is very limited to HSR routes. Having said that, we have Frankie's in Mount Hope on Homestead Drive (as you come off hwy#6) and of course "The Egg and I" on Upper James.

Hope this helps
Brenda
Brenda Johnson
Councillor Ward 11
Serving
the Communities of:
Glanbrook, Rural Upper Stoney Creek and Winona

Remember this list is nothing without you. Please feel free to contribute often.

Kendall

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 09:54:00 -0400

THE HUNGRY HAMILTONIAN

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

It seems right to introduce myself, my name is Kendall Oliphant a born and bred north end Hamiltonian and part time blogger. A series of funny communicates with local politicians and department heads concerning the poor choice of a "dive bar" for city workers to get their cappuccino got me thinking "What are my favorite places to eat without breaking the bank?"

So why am I talking to you Hamiltonian readers?
I sent the following communication to the powers to be here and they graciously(!) granted me this opportunity to have this post featured as "A Link of the Moment" on their sight.

What's in this for you?
I need your help on compiling a list of great eateries and food trucks that offer "Constraint Elegance" 3 course meals for under $20.00, quick bites for under $10.00 for the people of Hamilton who are looking for a little class, without the price tag or pain(heartburn). Not the usual ones you hear about that always get the press, that quaint, cozy sea food shack with the killer homemade tarter sauce or the little bakery with the Red Velvet Cake created in heaven.

READ THE BACKGROUND STORY

Here

THE STEW THICKENS

A letter to the editor of "The Hamiltonian" "As you will see it started with an erroneous email from Councillor Merulla and ends with some great “greasy spoon” suggestions from Councillor Johnson. I would love your input(?) and maybe your readers can get the ball rolling, on a list of great “Hammer Dives” a place that serves food that does the trick for those on a budget."

Basically, The Hamiltonian had interest in doing something on this topic, with a couple of suggestions, dives was dropped and

finally the "Hungry Hamiltonian" is born. After some deliberation, it was concluded that this post would stay on this sight and be linked to by "The Hamiltonian". Please send all ideas to me at eternalkenaz@gmail.com so I can create a list.

MISSION STATEMENT

I don't want this to be a pretentious "I ate here thought it was great, eat there" those sights are always from paid snooty foodies. I'm a blue collar worker who is always looking for a place that serves food almost as good as Moms was at a price my broke butt can afford. I would love to devise a list of great places to eat on a budget and divide the list along the lines of municipal ward boundaries. Please submit your submissions to the editor and I will have final say to what qualifies. The parametres are broad, all cuisines, all eateries, food trucks. Provide a list of what you ate, take a picture even, and provide the cost. Remember 3 courses under $20.00 or a quick snack or sandwich under $10.00. Lets get a list that gives the little man a shout out, the chains can do that themselves. Get out their and "Eat to Sooth You Soul and Nourish your Mind"-Kendall Oliphant

My Entry's For the List

Ward 2, Downtown

Capri Ristorante Italiano 25 John Street North Hamilton, ON L8R 1H1

Good home-cooked Italian, not the boxed version from the take out chains great for a relaxing dine in meal or take-out (they do deliver, comes in insulated foam containers). True story, I ordered the meal below, it took maybe an hour to arrive, but was like it just came out of the oven. I burnt the roof my mouth because I couldn't wait for the Manicotti to cool down. In house, the decor is straight out of an Italian postcard. I've been to more expensive Italian restaurants and didn't get food as good as Capri. Definitely my fave. ****

Appetizer, Salad and Main Course Price $18.45(one person) before tax

GARLIC BREAD, (6pcs) $3.95 / cheese $6.25 (12pcs) $6.95 / cheese $9.50
Italian loaf spread with garlic and herb butter, then lightly toasted
CHEF SALAD, $4.25 Garden greens, tomatoes & olives with choice of dressing
MANICOTTI , $10.25 Pasta sheets rolled and filled with ricotta, rice and Parmesan cheese, topped and baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella

Mahal Restaurant Tandoori Tikka & Kabob House-22 King St. East, Hamilton, Ontario

They serve a variety of delicious Pakistani, Indian, and Halal dishes. The Nan is straight up addictive, try to save some to temper the curry in the main course The Chicken Tikka Masala ($9.99) is a popular choice. If you want to sample a classic, try the Chicken Curry, cooked in Mahal’s mouthwatering traditional curry sauce ($8.99). For the vegetarian the ALOO GOBI a CAULIFLOWER AND POTATO dish COOKED WITH ONION AND TOMATOES for $6.99 is a great choice. Finish off the meal with some GULAB JAMUN,($2.99 for 2 pcs.) a spongy milky desert soaked in a rose scented syrup and serving of Masala Tea ($1.99) a sweet spiced milk brew. I found the staff extremely helpful in getting me around the names of the dishes, and offering suggestions to the spiciness of each so that even the most delicate constitutions can enjoy a delicious meal.

Ward 3, Noth End

The best deal in the North end has to be a little nondescript Polish restaurant on Barton ST E@ Sherman Ave N with a great name that fits the concept. Bel Air 677 Barton St E, Hamilton- Nothing seems to have changed in this very cool place since the 50s - even the cash register is this big mechanical thing - I don't think it even runs on electricity. What you really come here for is the food, the atmosphere, the beer. Everything is shiny aluminum like in a 1950's diner. The food, is amazing. It's Polish food and nothing but. Every time I go I have perogies, and sometimes cabbage rolls or some of the other stuff. It's all delicious. Perogies are a big delicious filling meal and are very very affordable. They have different kinds, stuffed with cheese, or with meat etc. I have had them all, and they are all good. Have them with onions, sour cream and bacon pieces. And lots of great Polish beer. I wish I was there right now! If you're the designated driver, try one of the milkshakes - equally awesome. Price for a plate of perogies, salad and desert around $10.00. Well within my parametres.

Ward 11

From Councilor Brenda Johnson

Frankie's Bar and Grill -2965 Homestead Dr RR 1, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0

The Egg And I Restaurants,-1760 UPPER JAMES ST, HAMILTON, ON

OTHER FOOD NEWS

Harvest Burger a downtown fixture for 32 years closed in August, what was your memories of this legend that fed great food to many hungry patrons for a great price? Mine was the killer veggie burgs, made with the same love as the meat version, no cardboard here, no sir.

Tim Hortons coming to Nunavut Folks will soon be able to order a Tim Hortons coffee in Iqaluit, Nunavut, the last province or territory that has been without a location. The North West Co. said Wednesday it has signed a deal to open three kiosk locations in the territorial capital in December.

Side note the new Horton's Sundried Tomato Asiago Parm a savoury bagel with tomato, garlic & herbs, Asiago & Parmesan cheese is killer. Also a killer plans to introduce a new extra-large cup size which will hold 24 oz. The new coffee will pack a mind blowing 340mg of caffeine, just under the recommended daily allowance of 400mg for adults and well over the 300mg for pregnant women. If the super size comes to Hamilton, I wouldn't slam one of these babies back and head out on the QEW during morning rush hour!

BITS AND BITES

This is the section where you tell me who had the best single item you ever ate. You know that place that makes killer onion rings or the slice of pizza that was made with love. Let me start the list,

Ward 1, Westdale

Ghazi's Falafel Donair,1335 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 1C6 Neighbourhoods: Ainslie Wood East One of the best Mid-east restaurants in town, easily. Great food, decent service. The review ratings gets slammed a bit because of the decor, but its reasonable spot to grab a quick felafel. Price Range (per person): $0-$10

Ward 2, Downtown

Pam's Coffee & Tea Jackson Square, Hamilton, ON L8P 1A1 ‎

A great little jewel at Jackson square holding it's own amongst the coffee giants around. Doing it with fresh standard and flavoured coffees and a nice display of pastries. The decor is clean and comfortable and overlooks a nice view of James St N. They even offer free WiFi.

Bonanza's Bakery
Corner or Catharine N & Murray E
Bakery, deli, hot counter & sub sandwiches with MANY choices at $2.50!! Best bang for your buck in the city. Lunch time is quite busy

Christophers Fast Food 73 King St E, Hamilton, ON

Great place for a Felafel, or a Shawarma if all you have is a fiver and need your belly filled. I prefer the middle eastern cuisine because it's a lot more tastier and healthy. If you're not satisfied with the Felafel or Shawarma, they have burgers, fries and other things a fast-food place has. For the price, atmosphere, quality of the coffee, you can't beat this downtown jewel.

Ward 3, Central

Duatre Supermarket
417 Barton St E

See Bonanza's Bakery above but with more items.-submitted by Ryan Barneski

Donairs@Gage
1127 King St. E
Great donairs, falafels, poutine, subs and other stuff. Super clean inside, and the woman working the counter is super nice-submitted by Ryan Barneski

Ward 5, East
Extreme Sandwich Plus 2255 Barton Street East Hamilton
If it's a extremely big, fresh sandwich you desire this is the place to go. Also servings of lasagna, penne and meatballs, are home made, fresh, and very large servings. The price is right as well, best bang for your buck! Friendly atmosphere and fresh, good, cheap food. Around $8.00 for a 12oz sandwich!!

Ward 7, Central Mountain

Licks 1441 Upper James Street Map (North of Rymal Road)
Most of the veggie burgers in restaurants seem to be Yves Garden Burgers, which are not my favourite and if not cooked thoroughly can be gummy. But there are some good ones. I like the Lick's Nature Burger . It's the best in the city, sadly now as I mentioned above, Harvest Burger is no longer. Even non-vegetarians like them because they are very meat-like in texture. Price Range under $5.00, you can even buy them at Walmart, Food Basics and Metro in the frozen food section 4 for under $6.00

Who's says Hamilton Councilors aren't funny

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 11:59:00 -0400

On Friday I received this unusual mass email from Councilor Sam Merulla,

The following message was released to all Operators of the HSR respecting detour Route 41 - Mohawk (Trips via Ottawa Only):

Effective approximately 9am on Friday, September 23, 2011 and until approximately 6pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011, there will be manhole repair works on the off ramp from Kenilworth Avenue to King Street/Lawrence Road resulting in a full closure of the ramp. As a result, route 41-MOHAWK (trips via Ottawa Only) will be on detour:

Route 41 - Mohawk operators will detour as follows:

NORTHBOUND (To Gage and Industrial via Ottawa trips only)

Detour after servicing the bus stop at Kenilworth Traffic Circle via:

Continue around the Kenilworth Traffic Circle

Exit Traffic Circle at Kimberly Drive

Continue South on Kimberly Drive

Left (east) on Montrose Avenue

Left (north) on Rosedale Avenue

Left (west) on Lawrence Road

and resume regular routing on Lawrence west of the Kenilworth off-ramp.

The trips via Kenilworth Avenue will not be affected by this closure.

The existing bus stop on the Kenilworth to Lawrence Road off-ramp will be temporarily relocated to:

Lawrence Road, north side, 15 metres west of the off-ramp.

Thank You,

Councillor Sam Merulla,

Which lead to my reply,

Thanks Sam for this timely update, but I am not an HSR employee. I appreciate the detour info, albeit I don't travel the MOHAWK line to often. If any Barton or King detour info pops up, please feel free to include me in your mass email list. On an even lighter note, a while back you passed on some of my concerns as follows,

From: Davis, Gerry
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 04:07 PM
To: Merulla, Sam;

Subject: RE: (Edit) City workers visiting local bar

Councillor Merulla and Mr. Oliphant, I would have to say I wouldn't be caught dead in these dive bars, but hey if city employees still find their Espresso Coffee the bomb, who am I to say. Maybe a community newsletter should follow, "Best dumps to get your buzz on, according to the public works department". Seriously, I wouldn't go a salon and get my haircut because they served you a drink while you are waiting(I read it in the Spec, it had to be true). Why would you get a coffee at a bar, that doesn't sell food(solid)?

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.

Upon detailed investigation by the Manager of Roads it has been determined that a crew of employees had stopped in this area for a break when observed by Mr. Oliphant.

The GPS system that is installed on the truck confirmed that the vehicle was standing for fifteen minutes. Interviews confirmed that Espresso Coffee was consumed at the Club.

Thank you.

Gerry Davis, CMA

General Manager

All I received back from Sam was a "Thank You"

This got me thinking about a great idea, so I passed on the above email to the entire Hamilton City Council and the Mayor, to get their opinions and I was surprised to get a couple of return emails.

Hi, firstly thank to all of you councilors and Mr. Mayor,

This email, I hope provokes some much needed laughter in your busy lives. I originally sent this email in reply to one sent by Councillor Merulla, in which he perplexed me with his thankful concern to HSR drivers to avoid a manhole repair, the problem is I have never been a employee of the HSR. I would though, be grateful to any other councilors who could provide me with any other similar updates on HSR detours as I do use many hsr routes in my daily commutes. As far as the second half of my inquiry to Mr. Merulla, it concerned an old email in which I felt it wasn't appropriate for city workers to get their coffee buzz at a couple of North end dive bars. I was assured as you will read by Mr. Davis, these transactions where above par. Please, I would love to gather a list of Hamilton "five star dive bars" a term coined by Food Channel Cook Guy Fieri, in which I could post on my blog to ensure these businesses are the tops according to Hamilton city employees.

To all a great weekend and please come visit he hood and maybe we can have a coffee.

Hello Kendall
Thanks for your email and it accomplished what you set out to do. It brought a smile to my face.
As for diners that are on the bus route in Ward 11? Ward 11 is very limited to HSR routes. Having said that, we have Frankie's in Mount Hope on Homestead Drive (as you come off hwy#6) and of course "The Egg and I" on Upper James.

Hope this helps
Brenda
Brenda Johnson
Councillor Ward 11
Serving
the Communities of:
Glanbrook, Rural Upper Stoney Creek and Winona

Kendall,

Thanks for sharing your email.

I have to admit that I no longer attend "five star dives". You see recently, I leaned back in a new city hall chair and heard something snap. At first, I thought it was just one of my stiff joints. However, when I looked up... I noticed everyone was smiling at me. Well, that was the first day of my new "triple d" diet. However,I am still a fan of "diners, drive-ins, and dives", but I just look and don't eat. ;-)

Brad

Brad Clark
Councillor Ward 9
Heritage Stoney Creek

New Maple Leaf Foods plant puts a little more meat on the bun for some

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:46:00 -0400

TORONTO, Sep. 21, 2011, 2011 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
Please join us on September 28, 2011 at 10 AM to celebrate the official opening of Maple Leaf Foods new state-of-the art fresh bakery in Hamilton, Ontario. The plant produces a variety of delicious fresh bakery products under leading brand names including Dempster's and Villaggio for Canadian consumers. This new 385,000 square foot facility is the largest commercial bakery in Canada.

When:   Wednesday, September 28, 2011

        10:00 a.m.: Ribbon cutting and formal remarks

        10:45 a.m.: Bakery tours.  A limited number of bakery tours
        will be offered, please confirm in advance to reserve a spot.

Where:  745 Nebo Rd., RR#2, Hannon, Ontario

Who:    Michael McCain, President and CEO, Maple Leaf Foods

        Bob Bratina, Mayor of Hamilton

        David Adames, President and CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

The new Maple Leaf Foods giant new plant in Hamilton will employ as many as 2,500 workers. Not all those jobs will be "new", Maple Leaf is closing its operations in Burlington at Appleby Line, shifting the existing workforce to the Hamilton factory and eventually doubling the size of its labour force.

With about 1,300 employees, Maple Leaf’s pork processing plant in Burlington, many of these coveted jobs will not benefit Hamiltonian's. In reality, a couple of hundred new full time jobs are up for grabs in Hamilton, the rest will be filled with temp positions. Better than nothing.

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:43:00 -0400

This is an exchange I had with Hamilton Spec editorial columnist Andrew Dreschel over a particular pointless rant in which he blasts the Mayor for not wanting to talk to him. Considering his bias mindless conclusions I don't blame the Mayor.

Mr. Dreschel, (re:”Bratina and Murray are in the hot seat‏”)
These type of childish hatchet jobs are indicative of an annoying trend of the mainstream media to go with a cheaper and quicker method of tabloid style writing. Cheaper in that it doesn’t cost anything to strictly imply wrong doing or attack a persons character than allow uninformed readers to carry forth your biased opinions, like a black a widow spinning a web of lies. I don’t know my the Mayor refuses to talk to you, but I surmise it’s because of you smugness and stench of arrogance. Drop the pretentious BS, and think back to the old adage of getting more with honey.

Comments go on the 'Comments' page, not the 1st, that page used to be the domain for the words of Generals and great leaders. If your work contains guesses and innuendo, such as 'manipulating behind the scenes', or 'was it just a coincidence,' along with many, many unanswered questions maybe you should roll up your sleeves and hit the proverbial pavement and do your homework. If there's a lot of guesswork involved maybe you shouldn’t be a writer, for the sake of the Spec appearing like a professional newspaper.

It would appear the Mayor isn’t playing ball with old Andrew...and Andrew doesn't like it...take your ball and go home.

Sick and tired of the BS.

Reply,

Thanks for reading, Kendall. Actually, you’re quite mistaken. Commentary frequently appears on the front page of daily papers. See the National Post, Globe and Mail and Toronto Star, to name a few. Judging by your response, I surmise you really didn’t read the column very closely. Perhaps if you dropped the name calling and gave it another go, you might actually see it was founded on something other than guess work and innuendo.

All the best.

Andrew Dreschel

(love the Torstar blue type he sent this in tough to read, live his column)

Re: sent today

Andrew,

I read your column closely, please write another where you detail the conversations you had with the Mayor that would clear up your "unanswered questions" as you put it. I would read any of the other papers you list if there opinion columnists wrote something newsworthy of the front page full of facts that can be backed up. Otherwise, I would rather read a blog post from Raise the Hammer who can answer the questions.

Eager to read his reply.

I sent this the editor of Raise the Hammer, who after reading one of his posts on the same subject I felt we shared similar views. I never received a reply. I'll reserve judgment until a later time.

Ryan,

Lets get the sucking up part out of the way, I come to your site on a regular basis when I need an unbiased view of the news from the Hammer, unlike some of the Specs opinion columnists who I turn to when I need something to soak up chip grease. Speaking of fresh wrap, that brings me to an amusing reply to an email I sent to Mr. Dreschel (as you will see apparently we are on a first name basis, not.) This isn’t terribly news worthy, but I hope it gives you a chuckle. Oh, and thanks to the link to my little blog http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/ sometimes I feel I’m the only one reading it. I just read your post “Translation from Bob-Speak into English of Selected Portions of Mayor Bratina's Live Chat with The Spectator”, timmy’s coffee a touch bitter yesterday?(sic) Really, I found quite bemusing and poignant, I find having your Bob translator set to Klingon works best. Anyway here’s the email exchange with my buddy Andrew,

Later,

Kenaz

Hamilton hall of fame crooked cop says "I was ill"

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Dishevelled in an orange prison jumpsuit, former police inspector Rick Wills finally provides a plausible explanation for his spectacular fall from grace.

“I am suffering from a mental illness.”

He says it quietly. Hands spread apart on the metal table at which he sits, slouching. Eyes not meeting those of two Ontario Parole Board members.

“I have been diagnosed with depression,” he says. “I believe that I've had that malady for some time. I need treatment to get my head straight.”

The veteran cop who stole nearly $60,000 in drug money, then breached his house arrest by playing golf, says the end of his 35-year career was steeped in depression.

“I didn't feel very good about being a police officer. I didn't feel good about the police service. I did what I did because I felt I'd never accomplished anything in my career. Everything stayed the same ... With all the investigations, all the drug work, everything I put my family through ... And, even though it was morally wrong, I took the law into my own hands.

“I was ill. Right now, sitting here, I'm admitting that. I never did before.”

He couldn't admit it, he says.

“As all policemen know, you don't admit weakness.”

He is on medication and suffers from anxiety attacks.

“I was a hard-nosed police officer,” Wills says softly. “I was a tough guy.”

Well if the holy than tho' b.s didn't work grab a slice of mock humble pie, hell worked for Jim Baker, for some. Thank god the parole board members aren't named Dewey, Soakam and Howe. Now, as he pleads with the parole board to release him from jail so he can seek psychiatric help — “Sir, I'm willing to go back to house arrest or wear a bracelet or whatever ...” — it seems like this could be the first glimpse of what was really behind Wills' bizarre behaviour these past few years.

This guys got a set, or he's psychotic. That I won't do it again crap didn't work with my third grade English teacher after missing yet another assignment.

While the board members acknowledge that Wills, 57, needs mental health care, they're not willing to let him out for it. After deliberating less than an hour, they reject his bid for freedom. His self-written release plan, they say, does not set out adequate steps to deal with his psychiatric issues, even though Wills insists it is his top priority.

Beyond that, well — they just don't trust him. After all, the reason he is in the Central North Correctional Centre is because he flagrantly disregarded a judge's sentencing conditions.

“Despite your professional knowledge, you breached those conditions not once but twice and perhaps three times,” the board said.

In February, Wills pleaded guilty to stealing while in charge of the vice and drug unit. Between 1998 and 2006 he had a city accountant cut cheques on an account for seized drug money. Wills told the accountant the court had ordered money be returned to the accused. He then endorsed cheques to himself and deposited them in a bank account he shared with his wife, Doreen.

In exclusive interviews with me after his arrest, Wills made himself out to be Robin Hood,

claiming he anonymously donated the stolen money to charities that help drug victims. He said he did so because he was frustrated with a broken justice system. Yet there has never been one iota of evidence he gave the money to charity.

Then, when his high-priced lawyer John Rosen (Little John to his friends) won him a conditional sentence, Wills blew the whole sweet deal by playing golf. (Out with OJ, Tiger?) That earned him six months behind bars.

But even on Tuesday during the parole hearing that was automatically scheduled after he'd served one-third of his sentence, Wills stuck to his story that playing golf is a “necessity of life” that would lower his cholesterol level. (Now he can take up Pilates, because it will take a lot of time in the downward dog position to convince anyone he should be free)

Even if the board bought that, he was unable to explain why he played golf for nearly three hours when he was only allowed two hours each week for the necessities of life.

Or why his wife — who ought to have known he wasn't to play golf — played with him.(Ava Braun, idea of stand by your man)

When police came to arrest him for playing golf, they saw him trimming hedges, another breach of his house arrest.

Twice the board referenced a possible third breach, of which Wills was never convicted. Though it was never detailed at the hearing, at least one off-duty Hamilton officer is certain he saw Wills and Doreen attending a movie during his period of house arrest.(Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, perhaps?)

Doreen was not at the parole hearing.

Wills says he was attending the Salvation Army Church while on house arrest (which he was allowed to do) and found “it's provided a lot of comfort.” Prior to that, he hadn't been to church in 20 years.(Please stop sullying the name of a great organization with your presence)

While in segregation, where he has been put for his own protection because he is a former cop, Wills has been reading the Bible and a book on depression.(I think I need to borrow that book, now)

“It says depression is like an iceberg,” Wills said.

“One-third of it can be seen above the water, but two-thirds is below the surface.”(Barf, please give this guy a book on how to use Analogies, which reminds me of a top list sight I came across on the worst Analogies collected by high school teachers. One sticks out when I think of Mr. Wills,

His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

Two thirds has another significance for Wills. He will now remain in jail until he has served two-thirds of his sentence. That will be in October. Then he can go shopping for new underpants, like a free man.

Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton's Dumbest Criminals

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:37:00 -0400

As the old tv show lamented "These stories are ripped from the back pages of the newspaper". To bring it up to date the crime section of the online version of the local paper. These are,

Heist at a lemonade stand. Thieves cart off 10-year-old's cooler. ‘Disgusting,' mom fumes. While 10-year-old Madison Lord was cleaning out the stainless steel cooler she uses for her lemonade stand, she ran out of soap. The cooler had been sitting idle for a week, and mould had started to grow while she was at summer camp. She turned her back, leaving her post for only 15 or 20 seconds. When she returned, the cooler was gone. Stolen. Thrown into the flatbed of a silver Dodge Ram, a new one, with a tandem trailer attached full of scrap metal. Madison ran after the thieves, yelling at them as her heart broke.
“She's devastated,” said her mom, Stephanie Smith.
“I would just love to know who did it,” she added.

I agree my message to these a**holes,

Oh and I hope you have some extra private medical insurance and a good doctor, you might need it, buddy.

From creeps to a kid in love with his bunny, and the residences who wish he could just have bought a card.

There’s no love lost between local residents and a big, bold declaration spanning the Jolley Cut.
“Whoever wrote it should be chastised,” John Marshall said of the large “I love u Bunny (sic)” graffiti scrawled in white paint across the side of the roadway.
“They should really put a stop to this, because it’s starting to piss me off.”
Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr said he wasn’t aware of the message before The Spectator posted a photo of it on thespec.com Monday. Since then, his office has gotten at least two complaints about it. “I’d like to find who’s in love with Bunny, because they’d be doing the cleaning,” he said.
Farr, who’s calling for a cleanup, said he would have found the statement much more heartwarming “if it had been in banner form.”
“Hopefully Bunny has seen the message … and now we can delete the message,” he said. I think if Bunny has any dignity left, the only 'cotton' lover boy will be chasing will be a box of Cottonelle.

And from the Annals of the Hall of Shame I give you these two half wits,

Nearly naked biker charged

It was speed and the fact he wasn’t wearing a helmet that first caught the attention of a Hamilton police officer patrolling Upper Sherman Avenue. But on second look, the officer noticed the 40-year-old motorcycle driver was missing more than his helmet — he was wearing only a T-shirt.
“He had no pants, no underwear,” said Acting Staff Sergeant David Hennick.
The patrolling officer was travelling northbound on Upper Sherman near Mohawk Road 4 a.m. Sunday, when the speeding motorcycle passed him going southbound.
The motorcycle driver then lost control of his bike, only to get back up and try to flee on his bike again, Hennick said.
At one point the man tried to flee on foot, “there was a brief struggle,” and then the man was arrested, he said.
The 40-year-old Hamilton man is facing charges including dangerous driving and flight from police.
Alcohol was a factor. He blew in the “warm range,” which is between 0.5 and 0.8, and received a three day licence suspension.

Finally I don't think this dumbass could even say "peace de la resistance" so I will refer him as another "peace-o-shite" going cheaper than than BJ on Barton.

For pete's sake, say no to drugs!
Or you will end up like the Toronto loser whom Hamilton cops charged with theft and drug charges after a strange series of events at the McMaster University GO TRANSIT complex. Police say a GO bus driver had left his bus for a washroom break yesterday afternoon. When the driver returned, he found the bus' doors had been pried open and the cash box was missing. Several students pointed the finger of blame at a man sitting in nearby bus shelter. McMaster Security approached the 22 year-old, who admitted the theft. While making the arrest, officers noticed a bag next to the man who denied it was his. A search of the bag turned up a quantify of crystal meth, ecstasy and a suspected date-rape drug. Also in the bag (dum-de-dum-really dum) ... the Toronto man's I-D. Doh!

Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton cop beating ‘coverup’ needs answers says judge

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 23:50:00 -0400

Lets step into our way back machine and travel back in time, not to some backwards country where cops without cause make bogus arrests or beat the crap out you. No we are staying here in democratic Hamilton and traveling just a little while ago.

Flashback, early the morning of Aug. 15, 2003, Mann and fellow officer Christian Beaulne responded to a call that a short white man wearing light-coloured sneakers was breaking into a John Street South jewellery store.
Around the same time, Dixon had gotten off a GO bus and began walking. The two officers ended up arresting Dixon at gunpoint in a parking lot along Hunter Street. He spent three days in jail and waited nine months before the Crown withdrew the charges.

Under cross-examination, Mann rejected Zbogar’s suggestion that he concocted his version of events to support the arrest. Dixon, a black man, claims the officers discriminated against him on the basis of race despite witness descriptions of the robbery suspect.

Superior Court Judge Kim Carpenter-Gunn ordered the police board, along with Mann and Detective Constable Jason Leek, who conducted a formal video interview the night of the arrest, to pay Dixon just under $80,000 to cover his legal bills. Beaulne, who died in 2009 of a medical condition, was exempted from the cost ruling.
Earlier this week, Carpenter-Gunn ruled the police board and the officers had committed false arrest, false imprisonment, negligent investigation and Charter rights of liberty and security of person, and called the officers inept, arrogant, closed-minded, lacking experience and suffering from tunnel vision.
She awarded Dixon $54,000 in damages, including prejudgment interest, which will be paid by Hamilton taxpayers as per Police Services Act rules.

Let's get back to this past year while the rancid taste in our mouths is still fresh, because history is repeating itself.

“Troubling ... inconsistencies ... inability or unwillingness ... strains credulity ... the spectre of a coverup.” So said Ontario Court Justice Paul Currie, in acquitting this week a Hamilton police officer charged with assault causing bodily harm to a refugee from Myanmar during a botched drug raid.

On May 4, 2010, heavily armed members of the Hamilton tactical squad mistakenly burst into the apartment of Po La Hay as he was cooking dinner.

Hay, a 130-pound single father of three, sustained cuts and scrapes to his face, three fractured ribs and a fractured vertebra after police broke down his door, put a handgun to his forehead, handcuffed him and saw to it that “a foot was applied to his left side, his rib area,” according to one of the officers.

It was only afterward that police realized something had gone terribly wrong; They had assaulted an innocent man and invaded the wrong apartment. Moreover, none of the five officers in the kitchen with Hay could positively identify which one “applied” the foot.

“It’s a case about an excessive use of force,” Crown counsel Elliot Behar said during the trial.

That case is over, but now it is about something else. Getting this man and his dignity back and shutting a bunch of useless arrogant sons of b's up. Hamilton Police Chief Glenn De Caire stated after the judge’s comments this week that Hamilton police “are cognizant of both the ruling and the commentary” and “accepts and respects the decision of the court.” The service has already “assessed our practices and procedures for entries during search warrants” and has made changes in the wake of the raid last year.

If De Caire spent more time in training officers in procedural manners instead of taking media training he might have some actual answers. Does the chief not owe it to the citizens of Hamilton and his own department to investigate further the “spectre of a coverup?” Would it not be appropriate to appoint an outside investigator to look into the matter and respond officially for the benefit of both the police force and the community?

"This is a serious matter. Police are trained in observation and recollection, which is why their testimony is given more credence during trials." I love this quote from the Spec, short answer, in the real world this would be the case, but when offers stare directly at a judge and tell them with a straight face they couldn't id their own fellow cops. Pal, don't snow the snowman.

Hay is seeking at least $1.35 million in damages, while his son Say Blut, nephew Pa Nar Noo and daughter Ba Blut are also seeking a combined $1.2 million, according to the statement of claim, which includes allegations not yet proven in court. Hay’s son and nephew were in the apartment when police burst through the door May 4, 2010, and both list “soft tissue injuries” to the chest, neck and spine in the statement of claim.

More than 20 current and former Hamilton police officers are listed as defendants, including members of the tactical squad, Police Chief Glenn De Caire and Detective Constable Ryan Tocher, who was found not guilty of assault causing bodily harm in a criminal proceeding related to the botched raid last week. The Hamilton Police Services Board is also listed as a defendant.

Unfortunately the tax payers will be on the hook for any payout to Hay, and unless De Caire grows a pair and rights this leaky ship and gets rid of the racist, subordinated, stench from his office Hamilton will continue to look unattractive to it's long time residences and anyone wanting to make a new living here. It's time for the blue wall of coverup to be torn down and replaced with a transparent shield of good faith.

Later,
Kenaz

Presto-Change-O The new dawn of public transit

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sat, 28 May 2011 22:43:00 -0400

Hamiltonian's are now able to breeze aboard public transit with the wave of a little green card.Since May 4, Hamilton was the newest municipality to join the Presto system, a provincial program that allows transit users to pay transit fares in cities across the province with the same pre-loaded card.
No, more searching for change, or being ripped off for an extra dime per ticket at a convenience store, fares automatically deducted by tapping their card on green readers recently installed in HSR buses.
Hamiltonian's are now able to use the Presto card to ride transit systems across the province — including in Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Durham Region, Mississauga, Toronto and on GO Transit.

Eventually, Presto cards will replace tickets, transfers and other paper payment methods on the HSR but won't replace cash fares. I bought my Presto card online at prestocard.ca it takes up to six business days to arrive so plan ahead or at the GO station at 36 Hunter St. in Hamilton. The card costs $15, renewable every five years, but the good thing is the card comes loaded with $10. You than have a week to use your card for the first time, once you do your card is automatically activated. You than can load your card with as much as $1,000 using a secure system that allows an encrypted communication from Presto to your bank. You can have the money taken from your bank account or credit card. Fares will be automatically deducted from that total each time they tap their card. The system will also be able to detect the last time the card was used, which will allow HSR users to transfer onto different buses on their route without being charged twice.

However, some conspiracy theorists either due to complete ignorance or because the Presto sight isn't specific enough for individual cities. So I hope I can clear up some misinformation so these people can quit with "The MAN is out to get us all!!!" crap.

1.When you transfer between GO & HSR you get a credit for you trip. If you ride HSR and then get on a GO train, you are charged $1.50 less for your ride. When you ride on GO back to Hamilton, and get on HSR, you pay 50 cents. That's pretty cool. It's the same for Burlington & Oakville.

2.Once you register the card online, you can check the balance, load it up, and once you use it during a monthly period as a pass it will send you a tax receipt for that month automatically at the end of the year. I also know how much safer, I feel with it. I don't have to worry about losing it. Just like a credit card you report it missing and they give you a new one with the balance from the old card.

3.There's no Time Expiration one poster wrote in the Hamilton Spectator: "It doesn't mention in the article ... you have to keep loading something on it every 30 days or you lose your existing balance." No you don't! You load, it stays on the card until you use it.

4.

Will a monthly pass via Presto ever be an option? How will transfers work between systems? Will current transfer prices be honoured? Will we be able to load our card online and immediately start using it on buses or do we have to tap at a balance checker first? Don't get me wrong, I love the idea (got my card almost a year ago), I just think there needs to be more communication.

With GO, once you've reached the price of a monthly pass, it stops charging you. As for the HSR, a monthly adult pass is $87.00, for the blue collar worker who uses the bus to get to work and a weekend shopping trip, Presto deducts $2.00 for a single ride, that's 43 fares, plenty for most and even better if there is a cap. To be updated.

5.

...and how would riders ever know if the machine has charged them too much/more than once? What kind of hoops would they have to jump through to get their money back? Sorry, I just don't trust machines that much - they have faults. I'll stick to my bus pass thank you. Good luck out there, everyone!

The Presto machines have a large display that shows the fare deducted plus the amount left on the card. Machines aren't evil quit watching the Sci-Fi network, my toaster has never wanted to kill me just burn my toast.

6.

do people have the money to load a card expensive for some to put out money all at once. but on other hand welfare that hands out tickets could use this system and how do you check your balance

You can load the card via the phone just as easy as the internet a few bucks at a time or with cash at the GO station if you don't have a bank account to debit.

7.The Presto is not becoming mandatory for all HSR passengers. The Presto is straightforward, convenient, allows you to avoid ticket line ups and has other good features. However, if you don't like it you don't have to use it, even on the GO Train.

8.This will and should take care of all of the people who like to use transfers that are hours old and then make a huge issue when the driver states that the transfer is not valid. They always make a huge issue and the driver is always looked at like he is doing something wrong when he is just trying to enforce the rules.

9.

Is this a stealth fare hike? If it is designed to replace tickets some day, that means the days of buying discounted tickets in advance is done. The businesses that sell HSR tickets will likely be hurt, and the consumer will pay cash rate all the time? Classy way to hike the fare..

I hate to sound like I'm picking on these people, but this one is so bad. The Presto card is not trying to put the mom and pop store out of business, I don't think they make a huge amount from the extra nickle or dime they charge for each ticket. By discount tickets I assume you mean free welfare tickets, sorry can't help you there. Even those using the discounted passes designed for persons with low income the Presto card is still a great idea, you don't have to provide your income tax information every six months or stand a half hour in line on a Friday to get your card.

I hope this covers some of the misinformation out there, the Presto Card is one of the few great ideas the Province has come out with in a long time. Europe has had similar systems for decades using everything from a card to a cell phone and it has seen numerous benefits to cost and speed.

Later,
Kenaz

News around the Hammer

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Fri, 20 May 2011 12:05:00 -0400

The last while the news from the Hammer has been coming in fast and furious and has covered everything from a cop in a deep state of denial, city tax payers picking up the check for a councilors fines, to a man with a novel idea for a gift for his wife. Hang on, strap yourself in and lets start the ride, I will meet everyone back at the end for a trip to the obscura gift shop, enjoy.

Hamilton man charged in oprah ticket theft story
A Hamilton man beat himself up - literally - and claimed he had been mugged after failing to get seats for a taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago on Tuesday.

(You didn't win a car!!!)

Police officer in dixon civil suit denies concocting arrest events
A Hamilton police officer, named as a defendant in an $180,000 civil lawsuit stemming from a wrongful arrest, was evasive, argumentative and confrontational on the witness stand Thursday. Oliver Mann admitted under cross-examination that he changed his testimony.

Early the morning of Aug. 15, 2003, Mann and fellow officer Christian Beaulne responded to a call that a short white man wearing light-coloured sneakers was breaking into a John Street South jewellery store.
Around the same time, Dixon had gotten off a GO bus and began walking. The two officers ended up arresting Dixon at gunpoint in a parking lot along Hunter Street. He spent three days in jail and waited nine months before the Crown withdrew the charges.

Under cross-examination, Mann rejected Zbogar’s suggestion that he concocted his version of events to support the arrest. Dixon, a black man, claims the officers discriminated against him on the basis of race despite witness descriptions of the robbery suspect.

(Sadly, there's no litmus test for the police system to use to weed out these type of blatant racist ignoramuses so we as citizens are forced to pay for a broken chain of command)

*May 28 Update*
police have learned lessons chief

Superior Court Judge Kim Carpenter-Gunn ordered the police board, along with Mann and Detective Constable Jason Leek, who conducted a formal video interview the night of the arrest, to pay Dixon just under $80,000 to cover his legal bills. Beaulne, who died in 2009 of a medical condition, was exempted from the cost ruling.
Earlier this week, Carpenter-Gunn ruled the police board and the officers had committed false arrest, false imprisonment, negligent investigation and Charter rights of liberty and security of person, and called the officers inept, arrogant, closed-minded, lacking experience and suffering from tunnel vision.
She awarded Dixon $54,000 in damages, including prejudgment interest, which will be paid by Hamilton taxpayers as per Police Services Act rules.

Links to my original posts following the whole story
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2006/12/hamilton-police-black-and-blue-in-2006.html
http://theeternalkenaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/michael-dixon-wronged-by-hamilton.html

Let the records show spring has sprung a leak
It’s official. The latest cloudburst pushed us well over the brink of what we actually needed to break a record this spring. With 27.2 mm of rain Wednesday, this spring is Hamilton’s wettest.

(Duck soup anyone?)

Whiteheads language malicious demeaning defamatory
City taxpayers are footing the bill for $15,000 in damages after Councillor Terry Whitehead lost a defamation suit filed against him by a deamalgamation advocate.
Justice James Turnbull ruled that Whitehead libelled Free Flamborough chairman Roman Sarachman when the councillor called Sarachman a “destructive, mean-spirited, irrational liar that does not deserve the time of day” in a May 2008 email copied to council.

“It is not in the best interests of the city that councillors address taxpayers in such derogatory and unfair terms,” Turnbull wrote in a judgment handed down Monday morning. “It is incomprehensible that an email with such comments fell within the scope of his duties as a city councillor.”

(Here's the kick in the groin by a bunch of clowns.

City solicitor Peter Barkwell says Whitehead’s costs are being covered because his case comes within the terms of the city’s indemnification bylaw. That means the city’s legal department and insurers feel Whitehead was acting within the scope of his duties as a councillor and acting in good faith when he sent the email. But in his judgment, Turnbull says Whitehead’s words did not meet either of those criteria.

(Tax payers get clowned again. We got three new councilors who have decided to join the good old boys club and stick it to the voters who voted for change)

*But wait there's more!!! May 28*

The city must cover all legal costs incurred by a Waterdown resident and deamalgamation advocate who successfully sued Councillor Terry Whitehead for defamation. In a judgment handed down Thursday, Justice James Turnbull ordered the city to pay $28,188.75 for Roman Sarachman’s legal costs.
That fee is on top of the $15,000 Turnbull awarded Sarachman in general damages at the end of the two-day libel trial that wrapped up in mid-May. Turnbull had reserved a decision on Sarachman’s legal costs until this week. The city is also covering the cost of Whitehead’s lawyer.

Walkerton compensation tops 72-million
Ontario has now paid out more than $72 million in compensation to victims of Walkerton's tainted water tragedy.
(The Spec's open comment policy brings out all sorts of misinformed ideas from people who must sit around all day making tin foil hats. Re:Comments from "Churchill" Friend of this guy?)

One last stop before we end the tour, welcome to never-never land where Hamilton's activists hang out stroking their egos and listening to Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver" whilst insulting anyone who challenges the legend of an internet hero. Some good points are made in this post, but one glaring omission is obvious who's paying? Cheers! have another.

http://www.raisethehammer.org/article/1376/the_future_of_west_harbour_and_barton-tiffany

Gotta go, off to the new "Centre on Barton" to look at some new walking shorts, I'm as optimistic that the sun will rise as I am that Hamilton can rise from the ashes and shed this "what a dump" attitude our neibours and some Hamiltonian's have.

Later,
Kenaz

2010 Sixth Annual Kenaz Awards

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 05:37:00 -0500

My awards for those who made the headlines in 2010 in the spirit of this site. The nominees where taken from the posts I made this year and cover local, canadian and international persons that made headlines.

Welcome to the sixth 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!".

Justice Served Award

Even though Canada's justice system is severely flawed in their thinking that everyone is capable of rehabilitation and therefore life sentences are only granted to only the sickest humans. The problem is the definition of 'deserving' differs greatly amongst judges. In the case of Billy Mason who's body was never found because their was no body to be found. The young man was murdered in cold blood, burned and then indignantly stuffed into feed bags and fed to animals. For four years Billy's mother Donna never gave up hope and refused to believe the inevitable, at least this week she was given some solace in that one of her son's sadistic killer was given ten years for his actions. The other still faces first degree murder charges. Sure everyone deserves a break but for these two vile animals only a date with the devil can be considered justice served.

Finally Something Good on TV

At the Vancouver Olympics Canada finished third overall in medal standings with 14 Gold, 7 Silver and 5 Bronze. Canada led all other countries in the Gold haul including the first ever won by a Canadian on Canadian soil.

Warm and Fuzzy Award

Their wasn't a dry Canadian eye in the country in February after watching Joannie Rochette overcome a storm of emotions after losing her mother days before she was set to skate at the Vancouver Olympics and win the Bronze medal.

Stories of the Year

Local

The November municipal election saw a small torrent of angry voters try to right the mutinous crew of the leaky ship that is Hamilton City council. Fed up with four years of childish antics and frustratingly slow to respond to change actions, the people spoke booting the Mayor and three councilors. Hopefully the changes can get the stadium debate back on track, the light rail construction started and numerous toxic sights cleaned up.

Canadian

Col. Russell Williams was exposed in October as a cross dressing rapist and serial killer and sentenced to at least 25 years in prison with no chance of parole.

International

April 14th a previously dormant volcano in Iceland irrupted covering much of western Europe in a cloud of ash closing much of Europe's air space to hundreds of flights.

Iron Man Award

The world was captivated by the fate of 33 miners trapped nearly a 1km below the surface in a Chilean mine. The men became international celebrities during their long ordeal and when they were finally rescued in October after 69 days some signed deals for movie rights and appeared on several talk shows.

Injustice Award

Canada hosted the G8 meeting in Huntsville,ON and the G20 in Toronto. 95 million was spent on the pavillion which included a so called "reflecting pool", it quickly was dubbed the "fake lake". A total of 1.2 billion was spent including 10 million for hotels for RCMP officers who where widely chastised for their over bearing control tactics that seen thousands arrested and detained without charges ever being laid or dropped after the meetings where over.

Co-winner of the award goes to the government of Haiti. In nearly a year after a 7.0 earthquake devistated the island and a social media led fundraiser provided much needed cash to help start repairs, not much has been done. Many of the displaced residences still live in sqaller tent cities.

Biggest Loser

In April an explosion on the deepwater Horizon oil rig killed 11 workers and covered the Gulf of Mexico in thick Brown sludge that destroyed fishing and tourism in the region. After several failed attempts the well was capped in July and permanently sealed in September but not before more than780 million litres was spilled. Costs are expected to exceed 32 Billion dollars. During the whole ordeal the CEO of BP was seen on his boat acting like a man without a care in the world.

Wack Job of the Year

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is a complete idiot for publishing classified documents about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that could potentially put soldiers still serving in these areas in harms way. Conspiracy theorists have gone way to far in asserting their rights in knowing what their government is up to. The freedom of information act was not designed to give unbalanced people access to national secrets designed to keep everyone alive.

Funny News Story or Post of the Year

A women in Los Angeles in suing Google Maps for giving her the wrong directions that told her to walk down a rural highway- which had no sidewalk or pedestrian paths- and was struck by a car. She is suing Google for her medical expenses ($100,000) as well as punitive damages. She is also suing the driver of the vehicle. Crap remind me to never complain again when Google Maps gives me completely stupid bus route info. Always double check!

Bizzaro World Award

Brett Favre taking pictures of his penis and sending them along with some racy texts to a female reporter proves that Favre has taken a few to many fits to the head.

On the Horizon Award

Canadian troops have been serving in a combat role in Afghanistan for almost nine years. But that's coming to an end in July of 2011, although a small transition group will stay on in a training capacity until 2014.

Career Achievement Awards For those lost in 2010

Andrew Koenig

Art Linkletter

Arthur Penn

Barbara Billingsley

Carl Smith

Corey Haim

Dennis Hopper

Dino De Laurentiis

Dixie Carter

Doris Eaton

Doug Fieger

Eddie Fisher

Fess Parker

Gary Coleman

George Steinbrenner

Gloria Stuart

J.D. Salinger

Jackie Burroughs

James MacArthur

James Mitchell

Jean Simmons

Jill Clayburgh

John Forsythe (I)

Kathryn Grayson

Lena Horne

Lynn Redgrave

Manute Bol

Maury Chaykin

Merlin Olsen

Mitch Miller

PaulGray(Slipnot)

Pernell Roberts

Peter Graves (I)

Phil Harris (VIII)

Ronnie James Dio

Rue McClanahan

Teddy Pendergrass

Tom Bosley

Tony Curtis

Tragic story of the year

Seven people killed in an explosion at a Mexican resort. The resort was fined more than $480,000 for not complying with origional building plans.

Destined Hero's Award-All the soldiers that we have lost in Afghanistan in 2010.

	Name	Rank	Hometown	Age	Spouse	Children	Unit	Date	Circumstance
139.	John Wayne Faught	Sergeant	Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario	44	-	-	1 PPCLI	16 January 2010	Killed after stepping on an improvised explosive device in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province while on a joint foot patrol.^[142]^[143]
140.	Joshua Caleb Baker	Corporal	Edmonton, Alberta	24	-	-	Loyal Edmonton Regiment	12 February 2010	Died in a weapons training range accident northeast of Kandahar city. Four other Canadian soldiers were wounded in the incident which the military said it would investigate.^[144]
141.	Frank Paul	Captain	Badger, Newfoundland and Labrador	53	wife	2 children	28 Field Ambulance	10 February 2010	Died of a stroke in Canada two days before he was due to return to Afghanistan from leave. ^[145]^[146]
142.	Darren James Fitzpatrick	Corporal	Prince George, British Columbia	21	-	-	3 PPCLI	20 March 2010	Wounded by an improvised explosive device during a patrol in the Zhari district, west of Kandahar city, on 6 March 2010, he was initially treated in Kandahar, moved to Germany, before being taken to an Edmonton hospital where he died of his wounds.^[147]
143.	Tyler William Todd	Private	Bright, Ontario	26	-	-	1 PPCLI	11 April 2010	Killed by a powerful improvised explosive device that detonated during a dismounted security patrol in Dand district^[148]^[149]^[150]
144.	Douglas Craig Blake	Petty Officer 2nd Class	Simcoe, Ontario	37	wife	2 sons	Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic (FDU-A)	3 May 2010	Killed by an improvised explosive device that detonated about 25 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. Blake was an explosive ordnance disposal operator. Canadian military officials refused to disclose whether any other soldiers were wounded in the explosion, citing a new policy decision to withhold any mentions of injuries outside of yearly statistics.^[151]^[152]
145.	Kevin McKay	Private	Richmond Hill, Ontario	24	-	-	1 PPCLI	13 May 2010	Killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol southwest of Kandahar city.^[153]^[154]
146.	Geoff Parker	Colonel	Oakville, Ontario	42	wife	1 son, 1 daughter	Royal Canadian Regiment	18 May 2010	Killed when a man believed to be working for the Taliban drove a car full of explosives into a NATO convoy during morning rush hour on the edge of Kabul.^[155]
147.	Larry Rudd	Trooper (Private)	Brantford, Ontario	26	-	-	Royal Canadian Dragoons	24 May 2010	Killed by an IED during a combat re-supply patrol near the village of Salavat, about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.^[156]
148.	Martin Goudreault	Sergeant	Sudbury, Ontario	35	-	-	1 Combat Engineer Regiment	6 June 2010	Killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol about 15 km southwest of Kandahar city in the Panjwaii district. Goudreault was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan.^[157]^[158]^[159]
149.	James Patrick MacNeil	Sergeant	Glace Bay, Nova Scotia	28	fiancée	-	2 Combat Engineer Regiment	21 June 2010	Killed by an improvised explosive device after he had dismounted from his armoured vehicle in Nakhonay about 15 km southwest of Kandahar city in the Panjwaii district, on one of the deadliest days for foreign soldiers in the war, with nine deaths. MacNeil was on his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan.^[160]^[161]^[162]
150.	Kristal Giesebrecht	Master Corporal	Wallaceburg, Ontario	34	husband	-	1 Canadian Field Hospital	26 June 2010	Killed when their vehicle detonated an improvised explosive device about 20 km southwest of Kandahar city while responding to a report of a mine found in the doorway of a home. A third Canadian soldier was also wounded in the blast.^[163]^[164]
151.	Andrew Miller	Private	Sudbury, Ontario	21	-	-	2 Field Ambulance	26 June 2010
152.	Brian Collier	Sapper	Bradford, Ontario	24	-	-	1 Combat Engineer Regiment	20 July 2010	Killed by an improvised explosive device after he had dismounted from his armoured vehicle near Nakhonay about 15 km southwest of Kandahar city in the Panjwaii district.^[165]
153.	Brian Pinksen	Corporal	Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador	20	-	-	2nd Battalion, Royal Newfoundland Regiment	30 August 2010	Died of his wounds inflicted by an improvised explosive device eight days earlier on August 22, 2010 while on foot patrol near Nakhonay, about 15 kilometres west of Kandahar city. A second Canadian soldier was also wounded by the blast and both were transported to Germany where Pinksen died.^[166]^[167]
154.	Steve Martin	Corporal	Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover, Quebec	24	-	-	1st Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment	18 December 2010	Killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol near a major road construction project that U.S.-led military forces are pushing into Taliban territory in Panjwai district as part of a fresh offensive. On his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, he died two days before his 25th birthday. The Canadian military refused to disclose whether any other Canadian soldiers were wounded by the bomb blast.^[168]^[169]^[170]
16	TOTAL YEAR TO DATE

Tarot reading for the new Hamilton city council

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:09:00 -0400

How will Hamilton city council do in 2011?

I decided to have a little fun looking at possibly the outlook for the new council in 2011. A new Mayor, albeit and old face, two new council members and a third who upset an incumbent. The rest of the council sees old grizzly vets returning; at times; like a bad stink you can't get rid of. A lot of smack came form fridge individuals calling for people to waste their vote on any buffoon to shake up "the good old boys club". I'm all for term limits but that not going to happen in my lifetime. So here's how the cards where dealt.

	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. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Narrow-minded. Maliciousness. Bigotry. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. Prudishness. A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person. (Let's hope Mayor Brattina and Sam Merulla have forgotten about the big pen throwing incident or we are in for more Romper Room antics.)
	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. Ace of Swords: Great determination. Initiative. Strength. Force. Activity. Excessiveness. Triumph. Power. Success. Fertility. Prosperity. Deep emotional feeling love. Championship. Conquest.(This one is definitely aimed at the new blood. Once the old dogs start yapping it's going to take a lot to be overheard.)
	The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Six of Pentacles (Success): Generosity. Philanthropy. Charity. Kindness. Gratification. Gifts. Material gain.(There's some big projects hanging in the balance, a stadium, airport land development and light rail. Hopefully charity is not just the name of a east end hooker.)
	The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Three of Swords (Sorrow), when reversed: Distraction. Confusion. Disorder. Error. Mistake. Incompatibility. Mental anxieties. Loss. Alienation.(We saw way to much of this on the last council, it can only get better, right? If not there's going to be a few people hiding under their covers, mumbling something about the end of the world)
	The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eight of Swords (Interference): Crisis. Calamity. Conflict. Domination. Imprisonment. Turmoil. Bad news. Censure. Criticism. Sickness. Calumny.(See above, WE ARE SCREWED!!!!)
	The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Cups (Luxury): Wariness. Aversion. Disgust. Disappointment. Unhappiness. Bitter experience. Stationary period in one's life. (Status quo, pass the hemlock out to council, I've got only four cups so they going have to share)
	The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ten of Pentacles (Wealth), when reversed: Poor risk. Bad odds. Possible loss. Hazard. Robbery. Loss of inheritance. Dissipation. Gambling.(Again back to the too many projects not enough funds, we have to lose something.)
	The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ten of Cups (Satiety), when reversed: Loss of friendship. Unhappiness. Family quarrel. Pettiness. Rage. Combat. Strife. Opposition. Differences of opinion.(Or a typical day at City Hall)
	The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Uncertain outlook. Chance of loss or defeat. Weakness. Possible misfortune befalling a friend. Seduction. Burial.(Well there's no chance I will be seduced by anyone on this council, ew! I'm certain Brattina will either shine like a new blade or die in a massacre of angry voter daggers aimed at his heart in 2014)
	The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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.(Five letters NTSNM One vowel O Phrase:--NT SNO- TH_ SNO-M-N. I'm sick of lies and ass kissing retoric. Don't tell me what you think you wan't me to hear. The clue reads "Don't Snow the Snowman".City council is still full of lying, self serving, ego maniacs and at least one new council member is a clone of an old council member. I hope I am wrong, but this could be an even worse city council than the last.)

Fall 2010 Tarot and Rune reading

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sun, 3 Oct 2010 20:38:00 -0400

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. If you would like your own copy of the Cat People Tarot, you can
	The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Queen of Cups: A warm-hearted and fair person. Poetic, beloved, adored person. Good friend and mother. Devoted wife. Practicality. Honesty. Loving intelligence. Gift of wisdom.
	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. Two of Wands (Dominion): Mature individual. Ruler. Attainment of goals and needs. Boldness. Courage in undertakings. A dominant personality.
	The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Ace of Cups: Great abundance. Fulfillment. Perfection. Joy. Fertility. Opulence. Fullness. Happiness. Productiveness. Beauty and pleasure. Goodness overflowing. Favorable outlook.
	The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Uncertain outlook. Chance of loss or defeat. Weakness. Possible misfortune befalling a friend. Seduction. Burial.
	The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Two of Cups (Love): Love. Friendship beginning or renewed. Passion. Union. Engagement. Understanding. Cooperation. Partnership. Marriage.
	The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Seven of Pentacles (Assessment), when reversed: Anxiety. Impatience. Uneasiness. Imprudent actions. Loss of money. Unwise investments.
	The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. 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.
	The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Moon: Deception. Twilight. Obscurity. Trickery. Disillusionment. Danger. Error. caution. Warning. Ulterior motives. Insincerity. False friends. Selfishness. Double dealing. Craftiness. False pretenses. Disgrace. Slander. Liability. Superficiality. Unknown enemies. The meaning of many divergent influences. Falling into a trap. Being misled.
	The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Seven of Swords (Futility), when reversed: Arguments. Quarrels. Uncertain council or advice. Circumspection. Slander. Babbling.
	The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Hanged Man: Life in suspension. Transition. Change. Reversal of the mind and one's way of life. In a passive sense, apathy and dullness. Boredom. Abandonment. Renunciation. The change of life's forces. Event's of an uncertain nature. The period of respite between significant events. Sacrifice. Readjustment. Regeneration. Improvement. Rebirth. The approach of new life forces. Surrender. Lack of progress. Oversacrifice. An unappreciated person.

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. 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 middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. 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 top rune represents a force that works for you. Laguz is the rune representing water. Laguz is a strongly feminine rune, and like the ocean contains much power of an uncontrollable nature. Here the rune is seen in the reversed, symbolic of the ebbing tide. This may suggest power being drawn away, or may perhaps the start of a journey. Since this is a rune of sexual power, the reversal can also suggest sexual problems or dissatisfaction.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge. The rune is shown reversed representing a state of darkness or ignorance. Either you are unable to obtain information that you need, or the information is being withheld from you. In darkness there is fear, but remember that darkness does not mean isolation. Friendship and comfort can still be available, although they are not immediately visible.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. 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.

Later,
Kenaz

What the hell is democracy!

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sun, 8 Aug 2010 03:05:00 -0400

In response to the Federal and Provincial politicians message that they in deed don't care about Hamilton's rights to run our own democracy and make the decisions that will effect our future for generations to come.

On July 31st, our Provincial MPP's declared a statement supporting what ever location for the Pan AM stadium we chose, it was indeed a local matter and they supported the democratic process.

The truth was, the feds and MPP's where having their strings pulled by powerful minister or senator who felt that an east mountain stadium would have more economical benefit for Toronto and it's CFL franchise, rather than a west harbour location that would see more money stay in Hamilton and prop up it's woeful economy.

Friday, the province sent a truly remarkable Draconian letter to Hamilton city hall stating that they have declared the cities Democratic rights null and void. The new stadium could only be built on the East Mountain if the city wanted any funding.

Now, on Saturday the Federal government did some damage control with a statement that the Province had no right in making any decision on their behalf and in fact Hamilton can decide once again where they wish to build the stadium with no strings attacked to to government funding.

This is a ludicrous and illegal infringement of rights, I can't believe this is happening in Canada!

In ire I have wrote this poem as a decree to our government at all levels and too this business leader that Hamilton is not to be played with for your own needs and desires.

DEMOCRACY

Democracy is dead
and we all should shed a tear
We have lost
because of compromise and fear

You have no right
to tell me what I can't have
This is my land
Who the hell are you
to tell me how to pile my sand

I tire of the politicians
that try to sway the course
of everything that is right
What good is choice
If there is only one entered in the fight

Freedom is not a slogan
It's my right
Move your shadow
from my light

I live here proud
strong and free
Justice for all!
I decree

Kendall Oliphant 2010

Maury Chaykin passes on his 61st birthday

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:40:00 -0400

Maury Chaykin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For a few years I did some background work and I had the fortune to be in the presence of one the most memorable character actors on the set of many productions. Including Nero Wolf , Where the Truth Lies and Owning Mahowny while they where filming in Toronto. One of my favourite movies is the Genie Award winning (Best Actor in Canadian film) ,Whale Music.

Peace.

The Canadians to travel down the Highway of Hero's in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:10:00 -0400

"Vir fortis natus" "Destined Hero"

Tribute song for the Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan. The song which was written and recorded by John MacPhee, Paul Schram and Brad Howe was ordered played on armed forces radio in Afghanistan by CDS General Rick Hillier.

(For Full Size) Ode to the Canadian Soldiers - Mirage 3

These latest deaths are as heart-rending as the first but can't diminish our national resolve to confront the Taliban where it stands and fight on behalf of everyday citizens. Canadian soldiers have demonstrated, throughout eight years of conflict and violence and death, that this nation is committed to seeing the job through.

Canada has lost 150 brave men and women, an accumulation of grief for families here at home that is difficult to fathom. But their deaths, their sacrifices, are the result of their honour and commitment to the cause. Canadian soldiers have proven themselves to be competent and courageous in combat, but they have also embraced the humanitarian component of their mission. Schools and dams have been built, irrigation systems designed, military and police officials trained with modern principles and resources. Village elders meet routinely with Canadian military personnel to discuss security and resource needs and to build bonds.

The federal government intends to withdraw combat troops next year under current policy directives. In the meantime, Canadian soldiers will continue to defend villages, provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance and allow Afghans to stand on their own to eventually provide safety and security for their people.

We are deeply saddened by these latest casualties, but take some comfort in the knowledge that the sacrifices of Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller are as heroic and selfless as that of every other soldier brought home on the Highway of Heroes since 2002.

Their loss is being felt as keenly here at home as it is abroad. But the cause remains worthy and we must see it through.-courtesy durhamregion.com

Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht

Age:34

Hometown:Wallaceburg, Ontario.

Unit: 1 Canadian Field Hospital

Deceased: June 26, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Panjwa'i District, Afghanistan.

Private Andrew Miller

Age:21

Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario

Unit: 2 Field Ambulance

Deceased: June 26, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Panjwa'i District, Afghanistan.

Sergeant James Patrick MacNeil

Age:29

Hometown: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia

Unit: 2 Combat Engineer Regiment

Deceased: June 21, 2010

Incident:

Sergeant Martin Goudreault

Age: 35

Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario

Unit: 1 Combat Engineer Regiment

Deceased: June 6, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Panjwa'i District, Afghanistan.

Trooper Larry Rudd

Age: 26

Hometown: Brantford, Ontario

Unit: Royal Canadian Dragoons

Deceased: May 24, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, southwest of Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

Colonel Geoff Parker

Age: 42

Hometown: Oakville, Ont.

Unit: Land Forces Central Area Headquarters

Deceased: May 18, 2010

Incident: Suicide bomber, Kabul, Afghanistan

Private Kevin Thomas McKay

Age: 24

Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ontario

Unit: 1^st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: May 13, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Panjwa'i District, Afghanistan.

Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake

Age: 37

Hometown: Simcoe, Ontario

Unit: Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic)

Deceased: May 3, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Panjwa'i District, Afghanistan.

Private Tyler William Todd

Age: 26

Hometown: Bright, Ontario

Unit: 1^st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: April 11, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Dand district, Afghanistan.

Cpl Darren James Fitzpatrick

Age: 21

Hometown: Prince George, B.C.

Unit: 3th Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: March 20, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Zharey District, Afghanistan.

Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker

Age: 24

Hometown: Edmonton, Alta

Unit: Loyal Edmonton Regiment 4th Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: February 12, 2010

Incident: Training Accident, Kandahar City, Afghanistan

Sergeant John Faught

Age: 44

Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Unit: 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: January 16, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Kandahar City, Afghanistan

Spring and Summer 2010 Tarot and Rune Reading

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Wed, 5 May 2010 07:00:00 -0400

What does the Spring and Summer 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. Four of Cups (Luxury), when reversed: New possibilities. New relationships. New approaches to old problems. New acquaintance. New knowledge.
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. Three of Swords (Sorrow): Absence. Disappointment. Strife. Removal. Dispersion. Diversion. Opposition. Separation. Delay.

The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Nine of Cups (Happiness), when reversed: Mistakes. Material loss. Imperfections. Misplaced truth. False freedom. Opposition. Differences. Dispute.
The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Pentacles (Wealth), when reversed: Poor risk. Bad odds. Possible loss. Hazard. Robbery. Loss of inheritance. Dissipation. Gambling.
The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Page of Pentacles, when reversed: An unrealistic person. Failure to recognize obvious facts. Dissipation of ideas. Illogical thinking. Rebelliousness. Wastefulness. Loss. Unfavorable news.

The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Benefit. Profit. Temporary gain. Improvement. Passing success. Momentary advantage. Temporary favor.
The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The High Priestess: Wisdom. Sound judgment. Knowledge. Learning. Serenity. Objectivity. Penetration. Education. Foresight. Intuition. Perception. Hidden emotion. Purity. Virtue. Apparent emotionlessness. Lack of patience. Platonic relationships. Teacher.
The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Sun: Satisfaction. Accomplishment. Contentment. Success. Favorable social relationships. Love. Joy. Devotion. Unselfish sentiment. Engagement. A happy marriage. Earthly happiness. The contentment derived from extending oneself toward another human being. A good friend. High spirits. Warmth. Sincerity. The rewards of a new friendship. Pleasure derived from simple things. Liberation.

The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Knight of Wands: Departure. A journey. Advancement into the unknown. Alteration. Flight. Absence. Change of residence.
The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Four of Wands (Completion), when reversed: Loss of full tranquility. Unfulfilled romance. Insecurity. Tarnished beauty. Incomplete happiness.

The left rune represents an important element of the past. Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one's life. In the harsh northern winter there is a halt to activity, and so delay or hindrance is frequently associated with this rune. The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Ansuz is the spoken word of God. This rune is reversed, indicating that you are misunderstanding the divine voice or failing to hear it all. The word is always correct, so you must strive, whatever the difficulty, to hear correctly. Be wary of the advice you are given, for it may prove incorrect. Do not attribute infallibility to fallible sources...

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Uruz is the name of the Auroch, an extinct prehistoric ox. This animal was strong and brave, and was the focus of rites of manhood in older days. Reversed, this rune symbolizes either the lack of challenge, or the lack of preparation for a challenge. This rune suggests that you must reach deep within in order to gain the power you will need, whether to get out of your current rut, or to face what appears to be a hopeless situation.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Ehwaz is the rune of the eight-legged horse that the god Odin rode into battle. Horses are symbolic of a number of things. Firstly, horses may symbolize vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, planes, or boats. Secondly, horses may symbolize not wealth, but status. Thirdly, horses may symbolize motion towards an objective. As such, this rune suggests a journey or a quest to achieve a goal or improve one's station in life. On a deeper level, the rune Ehwaz evokes the unique relationship of horse and rider as an inseparable team. To the modern eye this may be the relationship of master and underling, but to the Norse it was a total union. In fact, early representations of Odin are not of a man and a horse, but, of a centaur-like creature - the ultimate symbiosis of Man and Nature.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Gebo means gift, and like many gifts, the rune may be understood on many levels. Gifts are generally positive things, for both the giver and the recipient. In many cultures however, gifts and favors carry with them an obligation to respond in kind. It is for this reason that gifts, and hence the rune Gebo, are frequently symbolic of friendships, marriages, alliances, mergers, and other bonds between people or organizations. Gebo is a strong rune and the unions represented are strong as well. Moreover, Gebo is not reversible, as true friendships are not easily undone.

Afghanistan war heros for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Tue, 4 May 2010 21:17:00 -0400

"Vir fortis natus" "Destined Hero"

(For Full Size) Ode to the Canadian Soldiers - Mirage 3

Please give a look. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.

Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake

Age: 37

Hometown: Simcoe, Ontario

Unit: Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic)

Deceased: May 3, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Panjwayi District, Afghanistan.

Private Tyler William Todd

Age: 26

Hometown: Bright, Ontario

Unit: 1^st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: April 11, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Dand district, Afghanistan.

Cpl Darren James Fitzpatrick

Age: 21

Hometown: Prince George, B.C.

Unit: 3th Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: March 20, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Zharey District, Afghanistan.

Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker

Age: 24

Hometown: Edmonton, Alta

Unit: Loyal Edmonton Regiment 4th Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: February 12, 2010

Incident: Training Accident, Kandahar City, Afghanistan

Sergeant John Faught

Age: 44

Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Unit: 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Deceased: January 16, 2010

Incident: Improvised explosive device, Kandahar City, Afghanistan

Canadian Medal Winners

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 04:35:00 -0500

"Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics"

Canadian Winners at the Vancouver 2010 games in pictures.

: Athlete(s): Men's hockey team. Medal: Gold. Event: Hockey.

: Athlete(s): Kevin Martin, John Morris, Marc Kennedy, Ben Hebert and Adam Enright. Medal: Gold. Event: Men's curling.

: Athlete(s): Lyndon Rush, Chris Le Bihan, David Bissett and Lascelles Brown. Medal: Bronze. Event: Men's 4-man bobsleigh.

: Athlete(s): Jasey-Jay Anderson. Medal: Gold. Event: Snowboard parallel giant slalom.

: Athlete(s): Mathieu Giroux, Lucas Makowsky and Denny Morrison. Medal: Gold. Event: Long track speed skating, team pursuit.

: Athlete(s): Charles Hamelin, Francois Hamelin, Jean Olivier and Francois-Louis Tremblay. Medal: Gold. Event: Short track speed skating, 5000m relay.

: Athlete(s): Charles Hamelin. Medal: Gold. Event: Short track speed skating, 500m.

: Athlete(s): Francois-Louis Tremblay. Medal: Bronze. Event: Short track speed skating, 500m.

: Athlete(s): Cheryl Bernard, Susan O'Connor, Carolyn Darbyshire, Cori Bartel and Kristie Moore. Medal: Silver. Event: Women's curling.

: Athlete(s): Joannie Rochette. Medal: Bronze. Event: Women's figure skating.

: Athlete(s): Women's hockey team. Medal: Gold. Event: Hockey.

: Athlete(s): Jessica Gregg, Kalyna Roberge, Marianne St-Gelais and Tania Vicent. Medal: Silver. Event: Short track speed skating, 3000m relay.

: Athlete(s): Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyes. Medal: Gold. Event: Women's 2-man bobsleigh.

: Athlete(s): Helen Upperton and Shelley-Ann Brown. Medal: Silver. Event: Women's 2-man bobsleigh.

: Athlete(s): Clara Hughes. Medal: Bronze. Event: Long track speed skating, 5000m.

: Athlete(s): Ashleigh McIvor. Medal: Gold. Event: Ski cross.

: Athlete(s): Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. Medal: Gold. Event: Ice dancing.

: Athlete(s): Kristina Groves. Medal: Silver. Event: Long track speed skating, 1500m.

: Athlete(s): Jon Montgomery. Medal: Gold. Event: Skeleton.

: Athlete(s): Marianne St-Gelais. Medal: Silver. Event: Short track speed skating, 500m.

: Athlete(s): Christine Nesbitt. Medal: Gold. Event: Long track speed skating, 1000m.

: Athlete(s): Maelle Ricker. Medal: Gold. Event: Snowboard cross.

: Athlete(s): Mike Robertson. Medal: Silver. Event: Snowboard cross.

: Athlete(s): Alexandre Bilodeau. Medal: Gold. Event Freestyle skiing, moguls.

: Athlete(s): Kristina Groves. Medal: Bronze. Event. Long track speed skating, 3000m.

: Athlete(s): Jennifer Heil. Medal: Silver. Event: Freestyle skiing, moguls.

all photos courtesy of the original photographers and sources.

Joannie Rochette wins bronze, first in our hearts

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:37:00 -0500

Thursday night's women's figure skate wasn’t about winning a medal. This was about a daughter and her mother. This was about dealing with ultimate loss while on the biggest stage and finding the courage to follow through.

The first looming question when Joannie Rochette’s mother Therese died Sunday shortly after her arrival in Vancouver was this: would the six-time Canadian figure skating champion be able to compete?

Yes, she would and in a way that left everyone watching in total disbelief. A little girls dreams came true, she was a Bronze Medalist. A smile, a wave and kiss to the sky spoke volumes. God speed, Joannie!

This video includes her free skate and her dads reaction to her third place scores (All acknowledgements to the original sources)

Medal Presentation

Vancouver 2010, the worst games? really?!

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:59:00 -0500

There has been a hell of a lot of Canada bashing surrounding the Winter Olympics in Vancouver both down south and abroad- most of it can be said about any past Olympics. Criticism has been aimed at the corporate nature of the games, safety issues and the suspicious way the Harper conservatives have attempted to use the event for political spin-off benefits.

How on Earth can anyone call these Olympics “the worst Olympics ever?” That’s ridiculous. Remember Munich 1972? Eleven Israeli athletes shot to death by terrorists. The Munich Massacre. And to a much lesser degree, don’t forget the great “boycotting” that went on in the 1970s and early 1980s, with politics killing the Olympic spirit. Oh and rampant cheating and doping scandals that have plagued many Olympiads.

The Vancouver Games the worst ever? Not by a long shot. The naysayers who consider a tragic accidental death, malfunctioning cauldron equipment, a broken down Zamboni, and a failure to “Own the Podium” as ruining these Games are out to lunch.

Lets look at each of the cheap shots. In comparison to the Beijing and Atlanta games, the size of the corporate coffers for Vancouver are a pittance compared to the "Communist Hype Machine" and the "Coca-Cola Games". Secondly, David Letterman's rant after the tragic death of Georgian luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili was completely baseless. An accident occurred period, it had nothing to do with "exposed steel girders". Thirdly, regardless of the Olympic mantra, the games will and have been always political, but Harper's sad attempt to save face fails in comparison to the Nazi's at the Berlin games.

There have also been attacks in which criticism is undermined by right wing anti-Canadian attitudes. A good example of this is a rant on the Russian news site Pravda. It contains disparaging references to Canadians as "retentive" and "cowardly". The attack seems motivated in part by Russian athletes who have been embarrassed by the less-than-stellar showing by Russia on the podium.

The article was written by a British tabloid writer and the cheap shots makes it hard to take it seriously as a piece of fluff journalism apart from anything else.

"We all know Canada has problems with the future lines drawn on Arctic maps and we all know Canada lives in the shadow of its larger neighbour to the south. The abject cruelty shown by Canadian soldiers in international conflicts is scantily referred to, as indeed is the utter incapacity of this county to host a major international event, due to its inferiority complex, born of a trauma being the skinny and weakling bro to a beefy United States and a colonial outpost to the United Kingdom, whose Queen smiles happily from Canadian postage stamps.

Maybe it is this which makes the Canadians so…retentive, or cowardly. So it is not exactly a huge surprise to have international skating experts from the four corners of the Earth criticizing the decision to award the men's figure skating Gold medal to the US athlete Evan Lysacekv over the reigning Olympic Champion Evgeny Plushenko, whose superior performance was inexplicably ignored.

Everybody who knows anything about Olympic skating, Winter Olympic sports and international politics will infer from the pitiful and dangerous conditions provided by the Canadian authorities, which already caused one death, that Vancouver is mutton dressed as lamb. Take off the outer veneer and the stench is horrific.

It is a surprise that any Russian athlete would wish to remain in that sort of environment for a second longer."

It's time for Canadian's to start becoming a bunch of flag wavers and tell these clowns to shut up. Canada is on a pace to make Vancouver the home of the biggest gold metal haul in their history. Not to mention the plethora of incredible and sad moments seen at any Olympics.

In less your heart is made of ice, Joannie Rochette's skate on Tuesday, the first since her mother’s sudden death this past weekend, was astonishing to watch. Her composure held until she finished and then her face crumbling, finally. Then bouquet after bouquet being thrown to the ice in her honour. It was poignant. And she came third in contention for a medal. A podium finish tonight is the only ending that this fairytale merits.

K.d. Lang's Performance of "Hallelujah" at Opening Ceremony of Vancouver Olympics. was a close second for tear jerker of the games.

Some of the rest of the memories so far,(all photos courtesy of the photographers and the original sources)

: Canada's (L to R) Shelley-Ann Brown, Hellen Upperton, Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse celebrate following Heat 4 of the Women's Bobsleigh at the Whistler Sliding Centre in Whistler, B.C. on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Canada's Humphries and Moyse took home Gold and Brown and Upperton took home Silver medals.
: Canadian women's relay team celebrate after winning the silver medal women's 3000 metre relay short-track speedskating race Wednesday February 24, 2010 at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

: Athlete(s): Clara Hughes. Medal: Bronze. Event: Speed skating, 5000m. Huges adds this bronze to her 3 other winter games medals and 2 summer games medals.

: Athlete(s): Kristina Groves.Groves now has four Olympic medals to her credit. Medal: Silver. Event: Long track speed skating, 1500m.

: Athlete(s): Ashleigh McIvor. Medal: Gold. Event: Ski cross. Claiming gold in the first women's ski-cross competition in the Olympics.

: Athlete(s): Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. Medal: Gold. Event: Ice dancing.
: Athlete(s):Jon Montgomery Medal: Gold. Event: Skeleton.

: Athlete(s): Marianne St-Gelais. Medal: Silver. Event: Short track speed skating, 500m.

: Athlete(s): Christine Nesbitt. Medal: Gold. Event: Long track speed skating, 1000m.

: Athlete(s): Maelle Ricker. Medal: Gold. Event: Snowboard cross.

: Athlete(s): Mike Robertson. Medal: Silver. Event: Snowboard cross.

: Athlete(s): Alexandre Bilodeau. Medal: Gold. Event Freestyle skiing, moguls.

: Athlete(s): Kristina Groves. Medal: Bronze. Event. Long track speed skating, 3000m.

: Athlete(s): Jennifer Heil. Medal: Silver. Event: Freestyle skiing, moguls.

Can't wait to see how the Russians handle the 2014 games in Sochi (I had to Google it, some resort town near the Georgian border). Especially if the NHL says no to going and their biggest singing export was the one hit wonder duo Tatu.

Later,
Kenaz

Randle Reef cleanup moving in slow motion

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0500

Hamilton politicians and government agencies yet again embarrass this city. Hamilton has yet to come up with its one-third share of the Randle Reef cleanup cost more than two years after the federal and provincial governments pledged a total of $60 million.

The environmental assessment is unfinished, the Hamilton Port Authority is refusing to manage the project and local officials are begging Public Works Canada to take over. All the while, a toxic stew of coal tar, metals and industrial chemicals on the floor of Hamilton Harbour continues to spread and disperse.

Randle Reef has been called a spill in slow motion. Now we have a cleanup in slow motion.

The plan is to build a steel wall around the most contaminated sediment beside U.S. Steel Canada's plant, then add material dredged from other areas and cap the structure to create two piers for the port authority.

When the McGuinty government announced its $30-million pledge 30 months ago this week, it said work could start in 2008. No one can now say when it will begin.

The cost has risen to $105 million from $90 million and it seems certain Hamilton has lost its chance to celebrate the harbour cleanup in 2015, when it welcomes thousands of visitors to the Pan Am Games.

Capping the contaminants was always a band-aid solution, but it's better than nothing. The proper way would to copy the one billion dollar cleanup of Scajaquada Creek in Buffalo. The only solution their was to dig out all soils to a depth of 20 feet and process the soil enough for transport to Hamilton, as a semi-solid, where it was washed and hazardous particulates separated and buried at Swan Hills Alberta.

The sight and smell of raw contamination is sickening so to cap it would mean that sometime in the future it would still need to be processed, so do it right in the first place. Raw cement and lime must be added to solidify it enough to cap and definitely not reclaimed soil alone and a steel wall.

This reef needs to be cleaned up ASAP; the cleanup should take priority over everything that this council has on the boil. Stelco didn't start the problem, nor are they the only problem, but, they should never have been allowed free reign to contaminate not only our air but also our lakes and lands.

Later,
Kenaz

2nd Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:20:00 -0500

"Vir fortis natus" "Destined Hero"

(For Full Size) Ode to the Canadian Soldiers - Mirage 3

Please give a look. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.

"Faithful to the values of caring and solidarity that our country holds so dear, Corporal Baker volunteered to support the mission in Afghanistan that Canada is carrying out alongside other NATO member countries. Together with his brothers and sisters in arms, he was prepared to take on a difficult and dangerous environment."-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada

Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker, 24, a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, is the 2nd soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

Corporal Baker was killed in a training accident near Khandahar. Apparently this was continuing weapons training, which is standard training to keep a soldier's skills honed and keep him sharp.

Corporal Baker was based in Edmonton, Alberta with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, a reserve unit also known as 4 PPCLI. He was serving with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.

First Canadian Soldier to die in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:42:00 -0500

"Vir fortis natus" "Destined Hero"

(For Full Size) Ode to the Canadian Soldiers - Mirage 3

Please give a look. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.

Jan. 17, 2010 -- A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday, becoming the first Canadian killed in action there in 2010,.
The 44-year-old Sgt. John Wayne Faught stepped on a buried bomb at about 2 p.m. local time Saturday when he conducted a joint foot patrol with Afghan soldiers about 15 kilometers southwest of Kandahar City. No one else was injured.
Faught was a member of the Edmonton-based first Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and planned to retire in two years. He is the latest of the 139 soldiers to die in the eight-year-old mission.
Faught's body was carried by a military transport aircraft back to Canada, with more than 1,000 soldiers bid farewell.

Winter 2010 Rune and Tarot Reading

noreply@blogger.com (The Eternal Kenaz) — Fri, 1 Jan 2010 22:30:00 -0500

I give you my Winter 2010 Tarot and Rune reading. The question remains the same, "What does Winter 2010 have in store for me?" Once again the readings offer some interesting dogmas. Looks like if I can stay clear of the slanderous, babbling, miserable fools and play to my strengths, 2010 might lead to a path of liberation or another year of crashing and burning down a slippery slope.

	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. Knight of Pentacles, when reversed: Stagnation. Carelessness. Inertia. Lack of determination or direction. Narrow-mindedness. Limits from dogmatic views. Idleness.
	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. Seven of Swords (Futility), when reversed: Arguments. Quarrels. Uncertain council or advice. Circumspection. Slander. Babbling.
	The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Ace of Pentacles, when reversed: Prosperity without happiness. Misused wealth. Wasted money. Corruption by money. Miserliness. Greed. Fool's gold.
	The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Swords (Ruin): Ruin. Pain. Affliction. Sadness. Mental anguish. Desolation. Tears. Misfortune. Trouble. Disappointment.
	The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Strength: Strength. Courage. Fortitude. Conviction. Energy. Determination. Defiance. Action. Awareness of temptations and the mental and physical abilities to overcome them. Confidence. Innate ability. Zeal. Physical strength. Attainment at considerable peril. Hidden forces at work are challenged. Heroism. Virility. Strength to endure in spite of obstacles.
	The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. 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.
	The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The World: Completion. Perfection. Recognition. Honors. Ultimate change. The end result of all efforts. Success. Assurance. Synthesis. Fulfillment. Triumph in undertakings. The rewards that come from hard work. The path of liberation. Eternal life. Admiration of others. Inheritance. This is a very favorable card, especially if surrounded by other favorable cards.
	The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Six of Cups (Pleasure): Memories. Past influences. Things that have vanished. Childhood past. Nostalgia. Faded images. Longing.
	The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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 left rune represents an important element of the past. Raido is the rune of riding, as in a cart or as cargo. It is seen here reversed, suggesting a disruption of travel or communication. Etiological analysis of this rune has also given it interpretations of advice or justice, and of being in a position of moral correctness. Reversed, there is an indication of the lack of solid council, or the holding of a position that is not morally sound.

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge. The rune is shown reversed representing a state of darkness or ignorance. Either you are unable to obtain information that you need, or the information is being withheld from you. In darkness there is fear, but remember that darkness does not mean isolation. Friendship and comfort can still be available, although they are not immediately visible.

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Man represents Mankind. This rune evokes the image that although we must make much of our way in the world on our own, there is nevertheless an entire populous that shares similar experiences. Thus, this rune represents the relationship of the self with the whole - working together we can produce great results. Additionally, Man speaks to intellect and culture that separate us from the animals.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Algiz plainly shows the antlers of the elk that it represents. The elk is the object of the hunt, and hence Algiz speaks to the pursuit of goals and the thrill of that pursuit. The rune is currently shown reversed, so this could suggest a failed endeavor or a lack of effort. Algiz is also representative of a protective hand (fingers open wide), so the reversed form may indicate a failed defense.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. 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?

Later,
Kenaz