Famous Hamiltonian's:Victor K. Copps

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Victor Kennedy (Vic) Copps (March 21, 1919 - October 15, 1988) was a Canadian politician and Mayor of Hamilton.

Born in Haileybury, Ontario, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, following which, he worked in Timmins, Ontario for a local newspaper. In 1945 he moved to Hamilton to become a sports broadcaster on CHML. He entered local politics in 1960, winning a seat on the Board of Control and becoming deputy Mayor. He ran for Mayor in 1962 defeating the incumbent. He sparked outrage among Hamilton's Protestant community, as one of his first official acts was to abolish the annual Orange Order Parade, a staple of Hamilton for many years. In 1964 he was an unsuccessful candidate at the Ontario Liberal Party's leadership convention. Copps continued as mayor until 1976 when he was forced to retire following a heart attack. He was the city's first Roman Catholic mayor and its second-longest serving holder of that office. Under his leadership, the city engaged in a major project of urban renewal. The city's Copps Coliseum is named after him.

Vic Copps is the father of Sheila Copps, a former Canadian cabinet minister.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamiltonian's:John Sopinka

The Honourable Mr. Justice John Sopinka

John Sopinka was born in Broderick, Saskatchewan, on March 19, 1933. He was the son of Metro Sopinka and Nancy Kikcio. In 1941 his family moved to Hamilton, Ontario. He studied at the University of Toronto, earning a B.A. in 1955 and an LL.B. three years later. From 1955 to 1958, while working on his law degree, he played professional football with the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He was called to the bar of Ontario in 1960, and was later called to the bars of four other provinces and two territories. He practised law in Toronto for 28 years, first with Fasken & Calvin and then with Stikeman, Elliott. During that time, he also lectured on law at both Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Toronto. He is the author of several legal works, including The Trial of an Action, and co-author of The Law of Evidence in Canada. Appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada on May 24, 1988, he served on the Court for nine years. Justice Sopinka died on November 24, 1997, at the age of 64.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamiltonian's:Lloyd Douglas Jackson

Lloyd Douglas Jackson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Lloyd Douglas Jackson (April 22, 1888 - September 11, 1973) was Mayor of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from 1950 to 1962.

Born near Sarnia, Ontario, Jackson attended McMaster University while it was still in Toronto, earning a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. He began his political career in Hamilton's Board of Education, whereupon he served as Mayor for 13 years. As Mayor, he focused on the development of Hamilton's downtown area, including the construction of the new City Hall.

In 1970, a shopping and commercial centre, Lloyd D. Jackson Square (known as Jackson Square), was named in his honour.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of January 30, 2006-February 5, 2006

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
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.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. 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?

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Wunjo is the rune of Joy. Since joy is least frequently a solitary emotion, this rune often represents mutual or communal bliss. Wunjo is also seen as a rune of the gods and a rune of perfection, carrying with it the elation that blazes from the creation of a perfect work - perhaps this is the true joy of the gods, that they can create perfection. That aside, this rune does not focus on the struggle for perfection or on our inevitable imperfections, but rather on a job well done and the satisfaction that comes from it.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Sowelu is a strong symbol, for it represents the sun. Unlike equatorial cultures who may see the sun as a harsh and imperial force capable of causing droughts, in the cold north the sun is a purely feminine force that gives life and allows crops to grow. In dark times, this rune represents clarity of sight and the victory of good over evil. Sowelu is irreversible, as the cycles of the sun and seasons are perpetual.

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. Ehwaz is representative of the eight-legged horse ridden by the god Odin. As such, this is the rune of controlled movement and travel, including the pursuit of an objective or station in life. Since some older sources show Odin not as a man riding a horse but as a centaur-like being, this rune can also represent the union of man and nature, or the fusion of two entities in perfect harmony. As this rune is reversed, this could bode poorly for travel or for the vehicle involved. In the more spiritual sense, this rune could represent difficulties in self-improvement or other attempts at advancement. Finally, it may represent a splitting of two or the inability of two to act as one.

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved...

If you are further interested in Rune stones, please check out a script I wrote about three years ago. The story tells of a women's chance encounter with the towns rune reader and physcic. Her reading leads to a terrible discovery about her ex-husband.Click here to read 'Evil Of A Different Kind'

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamiltonian's:John Strathearn Hendrie

John Strathearn Hendrie
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The Honourable Sir John Strathearn Hendrie, KCMG, CVO (August 15, 1857-July 17, 1923) was Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1914 to 1919.

John Hendrie was born in 1857 in Hamilton and was educated at Upper Canada College. He became a railway contractor and promoted the Hamilton Bridge Works. In 1885 he married Lena Henderson. A Member of Provincial Parliament from 1902 to 1914, he held the positions of Minister without Portfolio and Hydro-Electric Commissioner. He also commanded the 2nd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. Hendrie was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 1914 and served until 1919. Much of his time in Office was spent helping the War Effort and hosting soldiers, seamen and dignitaries at Government House. He was knighted in 1915, and died in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1923.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamiltonian's:George Hamilton

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

George Hamilton (October 1788-February 20, 1836) was a businessman and politician in Upper Canada, who founded the city of Hamilton, Ontario.

He was born at Queenston Heights in 1788 (1787 in some sources), the son of Robert Hamilton, and educated in Scotland. Hamilton served at the Battle of Queenston Heights and the Battle of Lundy's Lane during the War of 1812.

In 1815, he purchased 257 acres in Barton Township from James Durand, who represented the region in the House of Assembly. Together with a neighbouring landowner, he set up a town site. The new town was to become the capital of the new Gore District. Hamilton provided land for a court house and jail. The police village of Hamilton was incorporated in 1833.

Hamilton represented the riding of Wentworth in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada from 1821 to 1830, where he tended to support moderate reformers and encourage immigration to Canada. He helped set up a canal to link Hamilton harbour to Lake Ontario and worked to secure funding for the court house and jail.

He died in Hamilton in 1836.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamiltonian's:Ron Joyce

Tim Hortons

Location: first store opened at 64 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton, Ontario

The first Tim Hortons store was opened in 1964 on 64 Ottawa Street North, near Dunsmure Rd., in Hamilton, Ontario. It has since grown into Canada's largest national chain of coffee and doughnut shops, with over 1,500 stores across Canada. Tim Donut Ltd., the corporate headquarters of the chain, is located in Oakville, Ontario and in 1997, Tim Hortons was employing 25,000 people across the country.

The Tim Hortons stores are named after their founder, Miles Gilbert "Tim" Horton, a hockey player who was born on January 12, 1930 in Cochrane. Horton began his hockey career in Quebec. He eventually played for the Toronto Maple Leafs (beginning in 1952), the New York Rangers (1970), the Pittsburgh Penguins (1971) and then for the Buffalo Sabres (1972).

Initially, Tim Horton was involved in a string of hamburger restaurants with his partner Jim Charade, while he was still playing hockey. These restaurants were not very successful ventures, so Mr. Horton explored the idea of a doughnut and coffee store. He opened his first Tim Hortons store in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario. The Tim Hortons store served coffee and doughnuts exclusively. Eventually, Tim Horton's own personal creations, such as the apple fritter and the dutchie, were featured at the store. These became the chain's most popular doughnut choices in the 1960's and have remained popular ever since.

Ron Joyce, a former Hamilton police constable, saw that Tim Horton was looking for help in running his store through an ad in the newspaper. Joyce proceeded to take out a $10,000 loan from the credit union which he then invested in the store. At that time, the store was known as "Tim Horton." Later the name was changed to "Tim Horton's" and then later still to "Tim Hortons," with no apostrophe.

In 1965, Ron Joyce took over the original Tim Hortons store with future aspirations of expanding the store to include ten outlets. At this time, a quarter could buy a cup of coffee and a doughnut. A dozen doughnuts cost 89 cents. Slowly, more Tim Hortons stores started springing up and business was fairly successful.

Tim Horton was killed in an untimely car crash on February 21, 1974 while traveling back to Buffalo after playing a Sabres game in Toronto. He was driving home in his expensive Pantera sports car, maintaining speeds of 160 km/h (100 mph) on the QEW near St. Catharines, when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed.

Not long after Horton's death, Joyce offered Lori Horton (Tim's widow) $1 million for her shares in the chain, which included forty stores by that time. Once she accepted his offer, Joyce became the sole owner. Years later, Mrs. Horton decided that the deal between her and Joyce was not fair and took the matter to court. Mrs. Horton lost the lawsuit in 1993, and was declined for appeal in 1995.

Nevertheless, the business continued to grow and become more innovative. In 1976, Tim Hortons introduced the Timbit, which has since enjoyed much success. Despite what many people believe, a Timbit is not a doughnut hole.

In 1977, a $100,000 Tim Hortons building at Main and Wentworth Streets in Hamilton was built and dubbed the "Doughnut University," because it was used as a teaching facility. Trainees would be taught how to bake around the clock and provide continual freshness to customers. By this time, the company was approaching $20-million in sales. In 1978, Tim Donut Ltd. opened it's 100th store in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

With his business on the rise, Ron Joyce developed an interesting way to pick out new sites for Tim Hortons stores. Mr. Joyce would pilot the company's twin-engined aircraft around the country in search of just the right spot for a store. Any sites which he thought looked interesting would be further investigated, and if it was feasible, then a Tim Hortons would be built there.

Over the years, Tim Hortons has tried a number of new products, in an attempt to diversify the business. These have included such foods as clam chowder, chili, muffins, pies, croissants, cookies, cinnamon buns, bagels, soups, sandwiches and even macaroons.

At one time, plans were being considered to open Tim Hortons ice cream stores. This idea was abandoned when it became apparent that the ice cream business was seasonal and might not not be a successful venture. One similar plan which did go through was Tim Horton's Break Away, which was a soup and sandwich chain. Break Away was a failure, and although nine of those stores were opened, the experiment was eventually abandoned.

However, Tim Hortons did come up with a number of exciting promotions. One of these promotions is the "Roll Up The Rim" cups that have come out annually since the mid-eighties. These cups have special rims that, when rolled up, have messages printed on the inside which indicate if someone is a winner or not. Prizes include food products, bicycles, coffee makers and cars.

On March 3, 1983, Tim Hortons took a somewhat controversial move and opened Canada's first non-smoking Tim Hortons store. This store was located at the intersection of Main and Wellington in Hamilton. Not long after this, the second non-smoking store opened in Kitchener. The idea behind having non-smoking Tim Hortons stores was that people who did not smoke would still be able to enjoy Tim Hortons' coffee and food without being surrounded by tobacco smoke. The ideology was that smokers would not have much reason to complain, as another Tim Hortons where smoking was allowed was probably not more than a few blocks away. When the first non-smoking store did open, people refused to obey their policy and police had to be called in a few times to evict smokers.

Business for Ron Joyce and his company continued to do quite well right into the 1980s. The 200th store was opened in 1984 in Clappison's Corners and on November 25, 1985, the first Tim Hortons drive-thru was opened on Upper Gage and Fennell in Hamilton. By 1985, Tim Hortons was spending close to $100,000 on research and development and about $2.8 million on advertising. In 1987, store number 300 was opened in Calgary, followed closely by number 400 in 1989, in Halifax. By 1991, the 500th store was opened in Aylmer, Quebec.

One day, Ron Joyce met Dave Thomas on a golf course. Thomas, the American founder of the Wendy's hamburger chain, owned a house next to Joyce's, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the pair immediately hit it off as good friends. In 1992, the two men began co-operating on the business front. They established a number of combination Wendy's/Tim Hortons stores in Canada, a total of 13 by 1995.

After serious consideration by both men and their company boards, a merger was announced between Wendy's and Tim Hortons in 1995. This was a $425-million U.S. deal that left Ron Joyce the biggest shareholder of the third-largest hamburger chain in the United States. It also made Tim Hortons a division of the U.S.-based Wendy's chain. The merger left Tim Hortons a wholly owned subsidiary of Wendy's, although the two do retain separate management. As part of the deal, Tim Donut Ltd. was given 13.5% of Wendy's stock, worth about $300 million U.S., and Wendy's assumed $125 million U.S. of Tim Hortons' debt. In the end, the total deal was worth about $580 million Canadian.

Although Tim Hortons had operated in nearby Buffalo since the 1970's, Joyce, considered the Wendy's/Tim Hortons merger a great way to expand into the U.S. market, under the merger, forty stores were opened in Detroit and another forty in the Columbus, Ohio area. He also began expanding the store by introducing some non-traditional storefronts, such as carts, drive-through-only locations, and small outlets in universities, sports arenas, the CN Tower, and duty-free stores at the U.S.-Canadian border.

Although Tim Hortons has had a dramatic expansion, and has grown considerably as a business since the early days of the 1960s, Ron Joyce and his company have done their best to see to it that some of the early traditions are adhered to and the old store standards are kept high. A plaque hangs on the wall of the first Tim Hortons store, reading: "Built on hard work and dreams, the Tim Horton chain takes pride in its history..."

Training for Tim Hortons employees is intensive in order to maintain a high level of customer service. This is especially true for someone who wishes to open a new store. They must attend training sessions at the company headquarters in Oakville for fifteen days straight where they are taught how to make doughnuts and how to manage a Tim Hortons store successfully.

In 1995, the company decided that each store should have a poster of Tim Horton by Ken Danby. However, Tim Horton's widow demanded the removal of the posters. A letter from Mrs. Horton's lawyer in 1995 eventually led to the posters being taken down, despite the fact that the company had no real legal obligations to do so.

Several years ago, Ron Joyce established the Tim Hortons Children's Foundation. This is a non-profit, charitable organization, that allows thousands of children from less-well-off homes to attend a first-class summer camp for a few weeks of the year. Local Tim Hortons store owners keep in touch with community churches, schools, clubs and local agencies such as Big Brothers and Sisters, to select children aged seven to eleven, who might not otherwise have a chance to experience the fun of a summer camp outside of their immediate province or region. The Foundation covers all of the costs for each child, including food, lodging, transportation and the facilities at the camps.

Ron Joyce was named to the Order of Canada in 1992 for his work with the Children's Foundation. In 1996, he also received a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Franchise Association for his pioneering spirit and inspirational leadership.

Ron Joyce is not stopping the corporation's expansion. By the year 2000, he hopes to have 2,000 Tim Hortons outlets across Canada. As of April, 1997, there were already 1,500, and since the company was able to accomplish its earlier goal of having 1,000 stores by 1995 (the 1,000th store was opened in Ancaster, Ontario), there is a very good chance that they will succeed once again.

Baking twice every 24 hours, the 1,500 stores go through an average of 200 pounds of dough everyday. Their sales totaled $646-million in 1996. In 1997, there were 70 stores in Hamilton-Wentworth area alone. This works out to one store for every 7,081 people, which confirms the statements that Hamilton truly is the capital of coffee and doughnut stores.

Later,
Kenaz

Goyette Looking Forward To Representing Canada

14 Days to go.

Danielle Goyette, a member of the Canadian women's hockey team, has been chosen as Canada's flag-bearer for the Torino Games.

Goyette will carry the flag at the opening ceremony in Turin, Italy, on Feb. 10.

"I will carry our flag for all the athletes," Goyette said at a news conference in Calgary. "I know that all of your hands will be with mine as we walk into that stadium."

Goyette, a native of St-Nazaire, Que., was a member of Canada's gold medal-winning women's hockey team at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. She was the leading goal-scorer on the squad that won silver in 1998 in Nagano.

Considered one of the pioneers of women's hockey, more from the CBC on her storied career.

Traditionally, the Canadian flag-bearer is a respected and successful athlete. This year, the field of candidates was narrowed when a few top athletes asked their sport federations not to nominate them for the honour. Some were concerned that carrying the flag would be a potentially strenuous and unnecessary distraction that could hurt their medal chances. Among the athletes who asked not to be nominated were Olympic gold medal cross-country skiing star Beckie Scott, world champion bobsledder Pierre Lueders, and Olympic speed skating medallists Cindy Klassen and Clara Hughes.

Goyette said she never considering withdrawing her name from consideration but empathizes with those that did.

"It's a personal choice and only the athletes know what they need to do to be at their best," she said. "I know pretty much all of them and I'll be behind them 100 per cent."
I have no problems with the decision of the athletes who choose not to bear the burden and endure the stress of being the flag-bearer. Carrying a flag in the opening ceremony isn't as important as raising the Maple Leaf at the medal ceremonies, so lets give these athletes all the opportunity to prepare themselves so that they can be at their peak when it counts. Go Canada!

Hopefully Goyette can join Catriona Le May Doan, Canada's 2002 flag-bearer, who won gold in speedskating as an athlete that can escape the ravishes of the "flag bearer curse". The previous two selections, moguls skier Jean-Luc Brassard and figure skater Kurt Browning, failed to earn a medal despite going into the Olympics as favourites.

I also found this cute side link at the cbc.ca/kids sites. This site offers a look at the olympics for kids. I like their reporting team of Dodger and Phil,



Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamilton Landmarks:Battlefield House

In 1812 the United States declared war on Britain, and invaded Upper Canada from the Niagara Penninsula. An American force crossed the Niagara River and captured Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in May 1813. With about 3500 troops, they moved on in pursuit of the British who had retreated to Burlington Heights (where Dundurn Castle now stands).

The American troops reached Stoney Creek on June 5, 1813 and settled down for the night. The Gage House was used as headquarters by the two American Generals, Winder and Chandler.

At Stoney Creek, a surprise night attack was made possible through the daring assistance of Billy Green, a local 19-year-old civilian. Billy Green went to Burlington Heights to warn the British that the Americans were in Stoney Creek. The British decided on a night attack and Billy acted as a scout, since he was a very experienced woodsman who knew the area well.

About 700 regulars of the 8th and 49th Regiments of Foot, under Lieutenant - Colonel John Harvey, stopped the American advance and allowed the British to re-establish their position in Niagara.

During the 40-minute battle hundreds of soldiers died and the British had captured the two American Generals and some field artillery. The Americans retreated to Forty Mile Creek (Grimsby) and then to Fort George.

The Americans never advanced so far into into the Niagara Penninsula again.

Site of the Battle of Stoney Creek


This engraving by Benson Lossing is from 'The Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812: Illustrations by Pen and Pencil of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics and Traditions of the Last War for American Independence', which was published in 1869.

[From the Hamilton Public Library: Special Collections]

Stoney Creek Battleground

The Stoney Creek Battle Ground

This map shows the location of the British and American troops before the Battle of Stoney Creek in 1813. The British advance from Burlington Heights is shown, as well as the camps of the American troops near the Lewis Homestead and the Gage Homestead.

The map is signed by William B. Ford, Ontario Land Surveyor, Hamilton, Ont. and appears in 'History of the War of 1812' by James Hannay, published by Morang & Co. in 1905.

[From Hamilton Public Library: Special Collections]

The Seat of the War in North America

This map was published in 1813 and 1815 by John Melish in his Military and Topographical Atlas of the United States. Colour is used to outline political divisions.

We have added a red dot to show the location of Stoney Creek. This map is only a small portion of the original, and shows the Niagara locations where battles were fought during the War of 1812.

The Seat of the War of 1812
[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada:
Cartographic and Architectural Archives Division]

If you look along the orange-coloured border line, you can see the British Fort George in Newark (now Niagara on the Lake, Ontario) and Fort Niagara now on the American side (Youngstown, N.Y.). The population of Newark at that time was 500 and at Queenston it was 300. (Hand-coloured engraving)


A View of Fort George


[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada:
Documentary Art and Photographic Division - colour engraving]
A View of Fort George, Upper Canada
from Old Fort Niagara
This view of Fort George from the American side illustrates the 'strategic checkmating' along the Niagara River during the War of 1812.

Fort George, military headquarters of Upper Canada, was built in 1796 to replace Fort Niagara, then in the United States.

American forces captured the fort in May 1813 -- just one month before the Battle of Stoney Creek in June of 1813. It was later largely destroyed by the Americans in December of that year on their withdrawal.


Battle of Queenston - October 13, 1812

"Which ended in a complete Victory on the part of the British, having captured 927 Men, killed or wounded about 500, Taken 1400 Stand of Arms, a six Pounder and a Stand of Colours."

This view of the famous 1812 battle is based on a sketch by James Dennis (1796-1855), an officer of the 49th Regiment of Foot who took part in the battle, and shows the American forces crossing the Niagara River from Lewiston under fire from the hastily assembled Canadian militia and British regulars.

The Battle of Queenston Heights is remembered as the action where Major-General Sir Isaac Brock fell.


The Battle of Queenston

[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada: Documentary Art and Photographic Division - Hand-coloured aquatint}

Canada West - 1849

Part of Canada West, 1849
formerly Upper Canada

By the year 1849 the County succeeded the District as the division for municipal and judicial purposes in Canada West. That along with recent transportation developments are shown in this section of Canada West. (Coloured print)

[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada: Cartographic and Architectural Archives Division]

Smith's Knoll

Monument to Soldiers Who Fell at the Battle of Stoney Creek, 1813

In 1889, seventy-six years after the Battle, Allen Smith was ploughing his father's farm when he uncovered human bones and bits of cloth with the insignia of both British and American regiments.

The discovery led to more intensive digging and soon the bodies of 23 unknown soldiers were found. This area was known as Smith's Knoll and it was here where the American guns had been placed during the battle.

In 1908 a cairn was erected at Smith's Knoll to mark the last resting place of soldiers from both sides who had died in the short but violent battle.

Smith's Knoll is on King Street in Stoney Creek, just across the street and slightly east of Battlefield House Museum.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamiltonian's: E.D. Smith

INDUSTRIAL HAMILTON: A TRAIL TO THE FUTURE
E. D. Smith & Sons, Limited

Location: Winona, Ontario

Ernest D'Israeli SmithThe Canadian segment of the Smith heritage began in 1787 when Silas Smith came to southern Ontario from New Jersey. He was a given a deed for 600 acres of land (400 on the mountain and 200 below it) just east of what would eventually become Winona. It was there that he raised his family.

In 1853, Ernest D'Israeli Smith, great-grandson of Silas, was born. Originally studying to become an engineer, failing eyesight forced Ernest into becoming a farmer. Though his father farmed grains and vegetables, Ernest soon discovered that there was little profit to be had with those crops. Instead, in 1858 he began planting raspberries, blackberries, currants, and gooseberries on five acres of the mountain property that belonged to the family. Based on this initial experience Ernest moved into fruit farming on a larger scale, purchasing 85 acres below the escarpment and adding grapes, apples, and cherries to his list.

Frustrated with shippers who took part of his profit, in 1882 Ernest began transportation of his own fruit directly to wholesalers. This marked the beginning of the company which carries Ernest's name. Demand soon surpassed his own supply and he began buying and shipping other farmers' fruit as well.

E.D. Smith LogoIn 1889 E.D. Smith & Sons Limited (E.D.) started Helderleigh Nurseries, which concentrated on fruit tree and bush cultivation for other Niagara Peninsula farmers. However, orders soon came from across Canada for the quality shrubbery which the company provided.

Up to this point, E.D. had not been an actual industry. However, this would change in 1903 when surplus fruit had gone unsold for successive seasons. Ernest decided to make use of the excess produce by making jam. By taking raw materials and processing them into a product, E.D. as an industry was born. The first pure jam to be produced in Canada, it was originally made in the basement of the E.D. fruit house. However due to its success, a factory was built in 1905 for full scale jam production. Five years later, E.D. expanded its facilities to include tomato purée and ketchup.

Armand (standing, left) and Ernest (with foot on cart)In 1914, Ernest sent his eldest son, Armand, to England to establish a factory to help satisfy the overwhelming demand for jam. However, World War I was soon declared and an embargo was placed on food leaving Britain. Almost immediately after Armand had produced his first batch of jam, he had to close down the factory and return home. During the 1920's Leon (Ernest's other son) took responsibility for the development of the agricultural program. The depression which soon followed reduced demand for fruit, therefore Armand compensated by increasing sales of tomato purée to export markets. This led to contact with H.P. Sauce Limited (a food processing company from Britain) which eventually formed into a business relationship. E.D. began selling H.P. products in Canada. By 1942, World War II had greatly reduced commercial transatlantic shipping. This caused H.P. to choose E.D. as a Canadian manufacturer for its products. Six years later, H.P. acquired Lea & Perrins Limited, giving E.D. the Canadian rights to manufacture their famous Worcestershire Sauce.

Cans of Jam Being Filled by HandAt the end of World War II, the return of soldiers to Canada along with an increased flow of immigrants caused a dramatic increase in the demand for processed food products. The extra funds gained because of this allowed for the E.D. plant to expand its operations.

In 1948, Ernest died. Besides building up a successful business from scratch, during his life he had represented Wentworth County for ten years and was later called to the Canadian Senate.

Jam Boilers Circa 1910In 1956, E. Llewellyn G. Smith succeeded his father Armand as president of E.D. During E. Llewellyn's reign expansion continued. New, more efficient manufacturing techniques were introduced allowing for new products such as Garden Cocktail vegetable juice and a diet product line. In 1968 E.D. recognized the potential for growth that the food service industry had. This led to the purchase of Ware Foods Limited, an old Hamilton-based food processing company which made products for the restaurant trade.

Another acquisition was made in 1976 with the purchase of McLarens Foods Limited of Hamilton. This company produced pickles, olives, peanut butter, and maraschino cherries among other things. In 1981 E.D. consolidated its manufacturing and distribution operations, closing the McLarens plant in Hamilton. More restructuring was needed in order to compete with bigger Canadian corporations however. In 1985 E.D. released new products with a redesigned logo and a seal of quality on each in an effort to win over more customers. The company had diversified so much over the past ten years that by 1986 jam, a staple product initially, had become one of its lowest sellers. It was also during this year that the Prosperity Plan was introduced to reward employees for suggestions that saved the company money.

Llewellyn Smith Holding a Bottle of Garden CocktailBy 1989 the company could no longer financially support its wide product range and decided to focus on sauces and fruit products. This meant selling its Garden Cocktail vegetable juice to Cadbury Schweppes Canada Incorporated even though that product was its strongest seller. However, in 1991 E.D. bought the Canadian jam, marmalade, and syrup business of Campbell Soup Company Limited and the following year it began making sauces for President's Choice.

In 1993 the company spent almost $4 million to retrofit a recently purchased plant in Mississippi, helping to boost their production by 25% and putting them in a good position to face the future.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamilton Landmarks:Canadian Warplane Heritage

Over 25 Years of Flying Heritage
A collection of over fourty aircraft has grown through the friendship of Dennis J. Bradley and Alan Ness. Their love of aviation and their desire to maintain and preserve Canada's aviation history saw restoration projects that were not only great pieces of workmanship but airworthy examples.

Bradley and Ness approached friends Peter Matthews and John Weir to become partners with them to acquire the first aircraft, a Fairey Firefly. This aircraft was to become the masthead of the museum's advertising and stationery and continues to this day to be incorporated into logos, crests and memorabilia. A tribute to the four flying founders is located in the museum's main entrance.

In 1972, the group moved into part of a hangar at Hamilton Airport and started to seriously seek out other restoration projects or flying aircraft. A Harvard Mark IV was to be the next acquisition, followed over the years by Supermarine Spitfire, Corsair, Chipmunk and Tiger Moth.

Hangar 4, followed years later by Hangar #3 for restoration, was purchased and the aircraft collection and the volunteers finally had a home. The group applied for foundation status, to be governed by its own volunteers, operating as the Canadian Warplane Heritage. Meanwhile, sufficient interest was being shown by those watching the aircraft being restored. More enthusiasts wanted to become part of the growing activities and the membership program began.

1975 saw the collection move into another area in Hangar 4 and the acquisition and restoration began on the B-25 Mitchell. The story of the arrival of this aircraft suggests a strafing of the airfield and the bombing of the runway with watermelons. In the same year, the Westland Lysander and Cessna Crane joined the collection.

It is impossible to compress over 30 years of history into one short story. Many aircraft have joined the collection, or have been traded or sold. Tragedy struck in 1977 at the Canadian International Air Show. Alan Ness lost his life when the Fairey Firefly he was piloting crashed into Lake Ontario. The aircraft would be replaced by another and Ness' memory is carried on through the awarding of the "Alan Ness Memorial Trophy" given annually to a deserving member of the museum.

The most ambitious restoration undertaking to date has been the Avro Lancaster. This aircraft stood guard over the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 in Goderich, Ontario. With the support of the Sulley Foundation, the Lancaster was acquired by Canadian Warplane Heritage in 1977.

There was a tremendous amount of work required to remove the "Lanc" from its concrete pedestal and prepare it for transport to Hamilton. The Canadian Forces accepted the transportation challenge, as a training mission to be performed by 450 Squadron. By moving the Lancaster to Hamilton via a Chinook helicopter airlift, valuable information was obtained by the military on the logistics of transporting large aircraft by helicopter. The aircraft arrived at the museum in 1979 and restoration began. It was not until 1988, that the CWH Lancaster Bomber, dedicated to Andrew Mynarski, VC, flew before 25,000 visitors.


Avro Lancaster

In 1998, the museum celebrated the 10th anniversary of the first flight of this historic aircraft with a Gala Dinner and Dance featuring the Spitfire Band followed by other events throughout the year.

In 1978 the first employee was hired. Although, it is through the world-wide membership of dedicated volunteers, the increasing responsibilities of a year round museum open daily, require full time staff. The staff members work alongside volunteers in every aspect of the museum's day-to-day operations.

Membership in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is open to all who share an interest in aircraft preservation. Funding for museum projects comes mainly from membership fees, private donations and sponsorships. The Ontario Government through the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, supports the museum through an operating grant. The Canadian Federal Government has recognized the importance of preserving certain aircraft of outstanding historical significance by certifying Canadian Warplane Heritage as a Cultural Property Institution.

On February 15th, 1993, a large part of Hangar 3 was destroyed in a devastating fire. Included in the destruction of the hangar were five museum aircraft, the administrative offices, engineering records and all ground and maintenance equipment. The aircraft lost were the Hawker Hurricane, Grumman TBM Avenger, Auster, Stinson and Supermarine Spitfire. The fire spread quickly, reaching temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees, through the north side of the building requiring the assistance of four fire departments and fifty-five fire-fighters. Volunteers who arrived to lend assistance could only watch helplessly as the fire was fought only a few feet away from the Avro Lancaster. At the time, the Lancaster was sitting on aircraft jacks. With fear that the roof might collapse, it was hours before the decision was made to allow the wheels to be installed and the aircraft removed. Also saved that day were two restoration projects, the Fleet Finch and Bristol Bolingbroke.

The museum battled back to design and build a 108,000 square foot delta-wing shaped building. With the support of the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Works Program, all three levels of government supported a new site that would house all operations of the museum under one roof. It was officially opened by the museum's Patron, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, on April 26, 1996.

The museum now houses over fourty aircraft, and also an extensive aviation gift shop and exhibit gallery. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The museum is closed Christmas Day and New Years' Day. Special events take place throughout the year and facilities including the main aircraft exhibit area can be rented for private events.


Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Group Tours of the facility, with the services of an experienced Tour Guide, are available to groups of twenty persons or more with arrangements made in advance. Many of the groups that visit are school children learning the theory of flight, aircraft design or military history. A visit to the museum is a worthwhile field trip to enhance many areas in the provincial curriculum.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of January 23, 2006-January 29, 2006

Introduction to Rune Readings

Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.

Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. In order to broaden your experience, we offer readings with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
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.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. 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.

2.


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

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Sowelu is a strong symbol, for it represents the sun. Unlike equatorial cultures that may see the sun as a harsh and imperial force capable of causing droughts, in the cold north the sun is a purely feminine force that gives life and allows crops to grow. In dark times, this rune represents clarity of sight and the victory of good over evil. Sowelu is irreversible, as the cycles of the sun and seasons are perpetual.

4.


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

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. 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.

If you are further interested in Rune stones, please check out a script I wrote about three years ago. The story tells of a women's chance encounter with the towns rune reader and physcic. Her reading leads to a terrible discovery about her ex-husband.Click here to read 'Evil Of A Different Kind'

Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton's Cultural History

Attempts at nourishing and spreading cultural economic activities have paid off for Hamilton over the decades. Dundurn Castle was refurbished as Centennial project. Local TV station CHCH introduced Canadians to Smith & Smith, which featured Steve and Morag Smith (the former better known from his stint as Red Green). Hamilton became a moderately important film and television adjunct of the Toronto film market.

Although never entirely out of the music eye, Hamilton gave birth or havens to a number of successful musicians of various genres over the years. Jazz-blues musicians The Washingtons were popular in the 1940s, and brother Jackie Washington continues to perform. Folksinger Stan Rogers was born in Dundas, where he lived until his death in 1982. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra under Boris Brott, although often troubled financially, achieved wide renown.

Among the rock-pop acts formed in Hamilton or by Hamiltonians were: Teenage Head, Forgotten Rebels, Junkhouse, and Appleton. Furthermore, Daniel Lanois, a solo artist in his own right and producer for U2, lived in Hamilton and recorded at Grant Avenue Studios. The Sonic Unyon label started fostered the Hamilton sound in the early 1990s.

Hamilton hosted several cultural and craft fairs since the 1970s, notably Festival of Friends and Earthsong, which made it a major tourist destination. Unfortunately, these fair trade venues and celebrators of world music declined in quality and ultimately disappeared, and their replacements have yet to find their niches.

Other Famous Hamiltonian's

Thomas Bain, former Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons
Robert Beatty, television, radio and film actor
Rick Campanelli, MuchMusic VJ
Wendy Crewson, actor
Sheila Copps, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada
Ken Dryden, former NHL hockey player, writer and politician
Adelaide Hoodless, 19th century education reform activist
Karen Kain, ballet dancer
Florence Lawrence, Hollywood's first movie star
Eugene Levy, actor and comedian (SCTV)
Marty McSorley, NHL hockey player
Steve Paikin, television journalist
Lorraine Segato, pop-rock singer-songwriter
Martin Short, actor and comedian (SCTV)
Tom Wilson-Junkhouse
Pat Quinn-Toronto Maples Leafs Head Coach

Later,
Kenaz

2006 Hooters Calendar

Sorry if it wasn't what you where thinking, but hey you have to admit January is one cut "chick".

Later,
Kenaz

A Look At The Canadian's Heading To Torrino

Cbc.ca Begins February 10th

Speed skating star Catriona Le May Doan carries the Canadian flag as she leads the Canadian team into the stadium for the opening of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

The 2006 Olympics starts in 21 days and Canada is preparing to cheer on their favourite athletes. Canada will send 168 athletes to compete in 15 mens and womens sports.

The Olympics is a unique event in which to see the stars we all know complete, the likes of Hockey superstars Rob Blake, Danny Heatley and womens ledgend Cassie Campbell.

Torrino will also be the place to see athletes compete in sports that don't get much media exposure outside the Olympics. Sports the likes of Bobsleigh and Speed Skating, that offer us a chance to watch incredible athletes the likes of Pierre Lueders and Jeremy Wotherspoon who are the Gretzky's of their respective sports.

Saying that, from now through the Olympics I will be offering my views of Canada at the Olympics. Today I offer an extensive look at all the athletes heading to Torrino.

Athletes Listed by Sport

* Alpine Skiing

Canada

Brigitte Acton
Patrick Biggs
Francois Bourque
Emily Brydon
Allison Forsyth
Thomas Grandi
Erik Guay
Michael Janyk
John Kucera
Sherry Lawrence
Manuel Osborne-Paradis
Jean-Philippe Roy
Ryan Semple
Genevieve Simard
Kelly Vanderbeek

* Biathlon
Canada

Martine Albert
Robin Clegg
Sandra Keith
Zina Kocher
Jean-Philippe LeGuellec
David Leoni
Marie-Pierre Parent

* Bobsleigh
Canada

Lascelles Brown
Suzanne Gavine-Hlady
Ken Kotyk
Florian Linder
Pierre Lueders
Heather Moyse
Kaillie Simundson
Helen Upperton

* Cross Country Skiing
Canada

Amanda Ammar
Chandra Crawford
Sean Crooks
Drew Goldsack
George Grey
Chris Jeffries
Devon Kershaw
Sara Renner
Dan Roycroft
Beckie Scott
Milaine Theriault
Philip Widmer

* Curling
Canada

Mike Adam
Glenys Bakker
Brad Gushue
Russ Howard
Sandra Jenkins
Christine Keshen
Shannon Kleibrink
Jamie Korab
Mark Nichols
Amy Nixon

* Freestyle Skiing
Canada

Deidra Dionne
Jennifer Heil
Kyle Nissen
Steve Omischl

* Figure Skating
Canada

Jeff Buttle
Marie-France Dubreuil
Patrice Lauzon
Joannie Rochette
Emanuel Sandhu

* Ice Hockey
Canada

Meghan Agosta
Gillian Apps
Todd Bertuzzi
Rob Blake
Jennifer Botterill
Martin Brodeur
Cassie Campbell
Delaney Collins
Shane Doan
Kris Draper
Gillian Ferrari
Adam Foote
Simon Gagne
Danielle Goyette
Dany Heatley
Jayna Hefford
Jarome Iginla
Ed Jovanovski
Becky Kellar
Gina Kingsbury
Charline Labonte
Vincent Lecavalier
Roberto Luongo
Carla Macleod
Rick Nash
Scott Niedermayer
Caroline Ouellette
Cherie Piper
Cheryl Pounder
Chris Pronger
Wade Redden
Robyn Regehr
Brad Richards
Joe Sakic
Sami Jo Small
Ryan Smyth
Colleen Sostorics
Martin St. Louis
Kim St. Pierre
Vicky Sunohara
Joe Thornton
Marty Turco
Sarah Vaillancourt
Katie Weatherston
Hayley Wickenheiser

* Luge
Canada

Grant Albrecht
Jeff Christie
Ian Cockerline
Sam Edney
Alex Gough
Regan Lauscher
Chris Moffat
Mike Moffat
Eric Pothier
Meaghan Simister

* Nordic Combined
Canada

Jason Myslicki

* Short Track
Canada

Eric Bedard
Jonathan Guilmette
Charles Hamelin
Alanna Kraus
Anouk Leblanc-Boucher
Amanda Overland
Kalyna Roberge
Francois-Louis Tremblay
Mathieu Turcotte
Tania Vicent

* Skeleton
Canada

Lindsay Alcock
Duff Gibson
Mellisa Hollingsworth-Richards
Jeff Pain

* Ski Jumping
Canada

Gregory Baxter
Graeme Gorham
Michael Nell
Stefan Read

* Snowboard
Canada

Jasey-Jay Anderson
Francois Boivin
Sarah Conrad
Justin Lamoureux
Hugo Lemay
Crispin Lipscomb
Alexa Loo
Dominique Maltais
Brad Martin
Drew Neilson
Mercedes Nicoll
Maelle Ricker
Erin Simmons
Dominique Vallee
Tom Velisek

* Speed Skating
Canada

Arne Dankers
Steven Elm
Kristina Groves
Clara Hughes
Cindy Klassen
Vincent Labrie
Brock Miron
Denny Morrison
Krisy Myers
Christine Nesbitt
Jason Parker
Francois-Olivier Roberge
Brittany Schussler
Kerry Simpson
Justin Warsylewicz
Kim Weger
Jeremy Wotherspoon

Later,
Kenaz

New Playlist Uploaded Over At Kenaz's Old Time Radio

1. Author's Playhouse- OffTokyoBay - 430106 32/44/sc 28:38

2. BennyGoodman - MadhattanRoom - 37-12-18 32/44/sc 29:04

3. Bobby Cisco - Tall Dark And Handsome Man - Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part Two) (Disc 6)The 32/44/sc 2:17

4. CallingAllDetectives- mystery - 480902 32/44/sc 8:06

5. ElleryQueen - TheAdventureOfTheMessageInRed - 45-11-07 32/44/sc 29:55

6. Etta James & Sugar Pie DeSanto - In The Basement - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1965-1966) (Disc 11) 32/44/sc 2:24

7. Forrest Sykes- Tonky Boogie - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1947-1950) (Disc 1) 32/44/sc 3:09

8. Howlin' Wolf - Sittin' On Top Of The World - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part One) (Disc 7) 32/44/sc 2:34

9. Jack_Benny_show- variety - 19xx 32/44/sc 21:21

10. John Lee Hooker- Leave My Wife Alone - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1950-1951) (Disc 2) 32/44/sc 2:47

11. John Lee Hooker - One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1965-1966) (Disc 11) 32/44/sc 3:02

12. Koko Taylor - Love You Like A Woman - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1967-1968) (Disc 12) 32/44/sc 2:08

13. Library_Book-OTR_-_Suspense- Myrna_Loy - 1945.09.20 32/44/sc 28:59

14. Lights_Out - Neanderthal - 1942-11-03 32/44/sc 24:48

15. Little Walter - Mean Old World - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1952-1954 Part One) (Disc 3) 32/44/sc 2:55

16. Lone_Ranger - The_Escape - 19xx 32/44/sc 24:42

17. Lights_Out_Uninhabited-1937-12-22-071 -Christmas Story 32/44/sc 30:00

18. Lowell Fulson - Trouble Trouble - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part One) (Disc 5) 32/44/sc 2:53

19. Lum and Abner-- comedy - 32/44/sc 21:30

20. Marshall ChessInterview - Marshall Chess Interview - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (Interview) (Disc 14) 32/44/sc 3:10

21. Muddy Waters - Trouble No More - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part One) (Disc 5) 32/44 2:41

22. Old Time Radio (OTR) - Club Of Doom - The Shadow Jan 18, 06 32/44/sc 24:04

23. Otis Spann - It Must Have Been The Devil - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1952-1954 Part Two) (Disc 4) 32/44/sc 2:42

24. Sgt. Preston of the Yukon - Ghost Riders - ep 14 32/44/scmp3PRO 24:55

25. Phil Chess Interview - Phil Chess Interview - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (Interview) (Disc 14) 32/44/sc 11:10

26. Solomon Burke - I'm Leaving On That Late Late Train - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1969-1975) (Disc 13) 32/44/sc 3:03

27. Sonny Boy Williamson - Ninety Nine - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part One) (Disc 7) 32/44/sc 2:39

28. The Calvaes - Anna Macora - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part Two) (Disc 8) 32/44/sc 2:24

29. The Corsairs - Smokey Places - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1960-1961) (Disc 9) 32/44/sc 3:03

30. The Vibrations - The Watusi - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1960-1961) (Disc 9) 32/44/sc 2:40

31. Tony Clarke - The Entertainer - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1962-1964) (Disc 10) 32/44sc 2:37

32. Vincent Price - Come as You Are - The Price of Fear 32/44/sc 28:40

Enjoy, Later,
Kenaz

The Best In Canadian Commercials

I thought I'd post some of my favourite Canadian television spots. These and more can be found at www.canada4life.ca

Oh, as a Kenaz p.a announcement on the 23rd, please don't forget to vote so we can send a message to our politicians that's it's time for change. Tell them "I AM CANADIAN!"

I remember this commercial for "Molson Canadian" from a while back, this teaches anyone who want's to mess with Canadians.

molson-canadian-no-doot-aboot-it

And in case you have never seen this ad entitled "Joe Canadian Rant" here it is. It is the most popular Canadian TV spot in history.

Joe Canadian Rant

Here's another great commercial from Molson. We should adopt this as our national anthem.

I Am Anthem

In this commercial Molson tries to disprove a couple more stereotypes about Canadians.
Canadians Are Polite

Later,
Kenaz

Canadian Gold Rush

The 2006 Golden Globes provided some great entertainment and some special moments for me. One of the biggest moments for Canadians came early in the evening when Nepean's (a suburb of Ottawa) Sandra Oh shook as she accepted the award for best supporting actress on a television series.

"I feel like somebody set me on fire," the Canadian star of Grey's Anatomy said. "This is fantastic. Look at all you people."

Oh began her career as a ballet dancer and eventually studied drama at the National Theatre School in Montreal. She then starred in a London (Ontario) stage production of David Mamet's "Oleanna" and appeared as the title character in the Canadian television production The Diary of Evelyn Lau (1993) (TV), beating out over 1,000 applicants. Her list of awards includes the FIPA d'Or for Best Actress at the 1994 Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels at Cannes, France, two Genie Awards (the Canadian Oscar), a Cable Ace Award, a Theatre World Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2003, she married writer-director Alexander Payne and their first film together was the Oscar-winning Sideways (2004).

Later on, another actor finally getting some credit, Philip Seymour Hoffman arrived on the podium to accept the Best Actor in Drama award for playing the title role in Capote.

"I just was given the best part of my life basically, and I know that," said the actor, who has returned to his usual stocky self after slimming down to play author Truman Capote.

Walk the Line, a biopic of country icon Johnny Cash, received several accolades as well, including Best Comedy or Musical. As expected, Reese Witherspoon picked up Best Actress for playing June Carter, while Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor for playing the Man in Black himself.

"Who would ever have thought that I'd win in the comedy or musical category?" asked Phoenix, thanking "John and June for sharing their life with all of us."

I can remember in an interview Phoenix told a story about an unnamed "journalist" who had the gaul to ask about his motivation for a scene for Walk the Line, in which an emotional Johnny Cash distraught over a death of a close person begins to slam his head into the head board of his bed. In his infinate stupidity, the man querried, "where you using the death of your brother as a motivation?" Phoenix using more professionalism than this guy will ever have, calmly replied something like I'm not a method actor, if you need to use a personal experience as motivation for a scene, than your not an actor.

Here! Here! it's a big difference between these three great actors who work tirelessly to learn their characters and someone like Russell Crowe who needs to keep five hundred extras waiting three hours while he "becomes a boxer". Cinderella man deserved much more credit for it's directing and co-stars than it got. Courtesy phone, for Mr. Crowe, it's your wake up call from your ego. It want's you check out.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of January 16, 2006-January 22, 2006

Introduction to Rune Readings

Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.

Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. In order to broaden your experience, we offer readings with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
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.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. 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.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. 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.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Uruz symbolizes the Auroch, a member of the ox family that became extinct long ago. This rune represents the strength, bravery, and endurance of this animal of old. Uruz portends the ability to meet problems head on and to overcome them. When the world was new, warriors used to test their strength against the Auroch. Hence, this rune has come to represent the masculine principle and the capacity to meet a challenge.

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. Perth is the rune of chance and gambling. Throw the dice, read your fate. Gaming is a fine way to pass the night...as long as one is careful. Games of chance have outcomes that are hidden from us, and as such Perth represents secrets unknown. Perth symbolizes enjoyment and wild abandon, but be watchful, for Perth is also the rune of mystery and the outcomes unexpected. You cannot lose if you do not play, but neither can you win...

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against 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.

If you are further interested in Rune stones, please check out a script I wrote about three years ago. The story tells of a women's chance encounter with the towns rune reader and physcic. Her reading leads to a terrible discovery about her ex-husband.Click here to read 'Evil Of A Different Kind'

Later,
Kenaz

Entertainment Report: Cheers ,Sorrow and Giggles

TV ads for 'Karla' movie pulled

CHUM Ltd. and Alliance Atlantis are pulling advertising for the controversial movie Karla, based on the crimes of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo.

The networks said the 30-second television ads, which had been running since Jan. 10, would be inappropriate for their channels.

CHUM owns 33 radio stations, 12 local TV stations and 21 specialty channels including MuchMusic and Bravo! Alliance Atlantis has 13 specialty channels including the Life Network and Showcase. Officials from the networks have not indicated whether they were under pressure or received complaints.

"We're surprised about the boycott of the ads and we don't agree with that," said Sylvain Gagne, vice-president of Christal Films in Montreal, which is distributing the movie in Canada.

Gagne said his company was planning to buy air time for about 500 commercials in Ontario, only to be shown after 9 p.m.

Gagne told The Globe and Mail that the TV spots were "soft" and "well-intended."

Karla is set to debut Jan. 20 and will be shown in 100 theatres across the country, except in St. Catharines, Ont., where the crimes were committed. Karla Homolka is played by Laura Prepon from the TV series That '70s Show.

Homolka and her husband Paul Bernardo were convicted in the sex slayings of teenagers Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French in the early 1990s. Bernardo is serving a life sentence while Homolka completed her 12-year sentence in July.

The Ontario Film Review Board recently gave the movie an 18A rating, which means anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

As I said in a previous post on the subject of this movie, I may not agree with censorship but, the subject matter of this movie has left this country with too deep of a wound to allow this movie to be a comfort to anyone. I applaud CHUM Ltd. and Alliance Atlantis decision.

Actress Shelley Winters dies



Actress Shelley Winters has died of heart failure at the age of 85, according to her publicist in California.

Shelley Winters poses with her Oscar backstage at the Academy Awards, April 4, 1960. Winters won best supporting actress for her role in 'The Diary of Anne Frank.' (AP Photo)

Dale Olson said Winters died early Saturday in Beverly Hills. She had been hospitalized in October after a heart attack.

An outspoken star who went from a young blond bombshell to acclaimed dramatic actress, Winters captured supporting actress Academy Awards for The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and A Patch of Blue (1965). She donated her 1959 Oscar to the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam.

A history of literary hoaxes

Earlier this week, news broke of two literary fakeries. On Sunday, an exhaustive exposé on the Smoking Gun website alleged that bad-boy writer James Frey exaggerated and fabricated details in his best-selling addiction-and-redemption memoir — and current Oprah Book Club pick – A Million Little Pieces. It seems Frey’s violent and drug-addled youth — which the book at once embraces with a macho swagger and denounces with pious contrition — might not have been as harrowing or eventful as written.

On Monday, the New York Times reported that HIV-positive, androgynous author JT Leroy was himself a fictional creation. It appears 25-year-old Leroy’s “autobiographical” fiction about his life as a truck-stop hustler and homeless drug addict is actually the work of Laura Albert, the 40-year-old woman Leroy claims rescued him from the street. Meanwhile, Albert’s sister-in-law, Savannah Knoop, has been exposed as the mysterious figure in wigs and sunglasses that makes public appearances as Leroy, who along the way has befriended celebrities like Courtney Love, Billy Corgan and writer Mary Gaitskill.

Writers with a hard-luck memoir in the works may want to wait until the dust settles before approaching a publisher. With both of these swindles, industry insiders have spent the week alternately claiming they “suspected all along” that something was up and nervously defending their fact-checking processes. As for the rest of us, we can sit back and relish the juicy details of the latest incidents in the long, illustrious history of literary hoaxes.

Lampooning the Group of Seven

The Group of Seven is the epitome of established art, the oil-on-canvas equivalent of O Canada. It’s this air of respectability that Winnipeg’s Plug In ICA can’t resist. The gallery has rounded up works by 75 artists from across Canada for Fabulous Fakes With a Twist, an acerbic homage to the G7.The exhibition is a telling 21st-century comment on Canadian identity; the artists mess with the Group’s nature/culture divide, subvert its rugged, manly virtues with feminist comment and give some multicultural dimensions to its predominantly beef-eating British-Canadian outlook.

The works include, Early Snow with Bob and Doug, by Diana Thorneycroft

Diana Thorneycroft celebrates a more recent incarnation of Canadian nationalism in this intricate little photo work, which features SCTV’s McKenzie brothers splitting a two-four against a backdrop of wintry Group of Seven poplars and pines, oblivious to the circling wolves. (Thanks to the Group’s efforts in the cause of populist art education, even your average hoser can appreciate its works, eh?)

And, Jack Pine with Approaching Sasquatch, Steve Gouthro

Several of the show’s artists try to slip humans — or, in this case, humanoids — into the Group’s famously depopulated wilderness. Here, Steve Gouthro gives a tabloid spin to Tom Thomson’s iconic jack pine. The Winnipeg painter claims to have found the painting preserved in a peat bog near Canoe Lake, and suggests that it offers “an alternative explanation to the sudden demise of Canada’s greatest painter, Tom Thomson.”

Later,
Kenaz