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

"Christmas has finally come and our soldier isn't home," Jill Kruse wrote only days ago. "And for some families, they won't have their soldiers sit at their table for Christmas dinner again."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He added that Canadian soldiers "also grieve for our Afghan brothers with whom we have been working side by side to help make their country more secure and stable."

Warrant Officer Gaeten Joseph Roberge was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 27, 2008.

Warrant Officer Gaeten Joseph Roberge was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 27, 2008.

Sgt. Greg John Kruse is shown in an undated photo with one of his daughters. Kruse was killed Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 while on patrol in the Panjway district, in the western part of Kandahar province.

Sgt. Greg John Kruse was killed Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 while on patrol in the Panjway district, in the western part of Kandahar province.

Along with one diplomat and two aid workers, 106 Canadian soldiers have now died in the war-torn country since 2002.

Peace.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Boxing Day Tragedy for another Canadian Soldier

""Pte. Freeman served his country bravely with pride and dedication. His sacrifice will not be forgotten" Defence Minister Peter MacKay

Pte. Michael Freeman's armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb during a security patrol around 12:45 p.m. local time on Friday.

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

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

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

Peace.

Friday, December 26, 2008

2008 Fourth Annual Kenaz Awards

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

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

Missed The Boat Award

Doh!

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

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

Warm and Fuzzies Award

I Feel Good!!

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

Justice Served

And Justice For All

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

Person of the Year

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

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

Iron Man Award

Your a loser baby!

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

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

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

Rockin the Planet Award

We are the champions!

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

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

Finally Something Good on TV Award

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

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

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

Bizzaro World Award

Banjo Boy Award

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

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

On the Horizon Award

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

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

Career Achievement Award

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

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

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

Later,
Kenaz

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Winter 2009 Tarot and Rune Reading

Tarot and Rune Reading

What does the Winter 2009 have in store for me?

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

What does the Winter 2009 have in store for me?

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

The left rune represents an important element of the past. Ansuz refers to a god or the spoken word of God. It is the voice of reason, law, prophecy and truth. It is the truth heard in the wind. This rune represents wisdom obtained or knowledge delivered. It is the rune of absolute good advice and true council - the message we all must strive to hear.

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Berkana, the birch tree, is representative of rebirth, fertility, and a positive outcome to ventures undertaken. It is also the rune of families. Here the rune is reversed, warning you to be heedful of new beginnings, lest they sour. Rebirth is either delayed, or totally disrupted. There is also a warning of family troubles.

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Tyr was the Norse god of war. It was through his sacrifice that the great force of chaos, the wolf Fenrir was bound. Here however, you have drawn the rune reversed. This could mean that a sacrifice made will not lead to the desired result. It could also mean a loss, or a victory overturned. This rune warns against entering into conflicts or negotiations, especially ones requiring that an offering or concession be made - the wolf might take your hand and yet remain unbound. Note also that Tyr was the god of law, so there is a suggestion of a wrongdoer who will avoid justice.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Isa is the rune symbolizing Ice - cold, stagnant, frozen, and unchanging. This rune suggests heat removed not just from anger or conflict, but from passion as well. Paradoxically, Isa conveys images of slippery slopes and unsure footing, but also of circumstances that have crystallized and become utterly immutable. Remember that in the cold north, ice is not just THE challenge to be overcome, but the very nature of the environment. Be courageous, for you work against this element every day. Will you fight alone or with others against this, our common foe? Is there much worse than lack of change?

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Ger is one of the runes that touches on the cycles of the year, in this case the fall harvest. These cycles are eternal, which is represented in the rune by the fact that it is unchanged by reversal. Ger can represent pregnancy or other forms of fruitfulness, and is especially indicative of the cycles of providence and karma - that which has been sown is now being reaped. This rune can also represent the cycles of wealth, for crops were frequently a sign of wealth.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Sadness for three more Canadian deaths in Afghanistan

Private John Michael Roy Curwin, Corporal Thomas James Hamilton and Private Justin Peter Jones were killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District on Dec. 13, 2008.

Three Canadian soldiers have died west of Kandahar city, after their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. A fourth soldier was injured in the blast.

The soldiers killed have been identified as: Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton, Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin and Pte. Justin Peter Jones. All three were with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, RCR based in Gagetown, New Brunswick. They were members of the Quick Reaction Force, or QRF, a team of soldiers that are usually called out to emergency situations within Kandahar City or just outside city limits. The soldiers were responding to a call that a bomb was being planted along the highway that runs from Kandahar city to the border of Helmand province.

Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, commander of Task Force Kandahar, told reporters that Hamilton, or "Hammy," was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and had a young daughter, named Annabella. Hamilton had previously served in Haiti.

Curwin was described as a "family man," who had three children .

Jones, or "Jonesy" as he was called, of Baie Verte, N.L., was known for his kindness and his love of the guitar, Thompson said.

The injured soldier is in fair condition at the military hospital at Kandahar Air Field. The news of the soldiers' deaths came as 1,000 mourners paid tribute to Cpl. Mark Robert McLaren in a Peterborough, Ont., drill hall. He was one of three soldiers killed in a roadside blast on Dec. 5, bringing Canada's troop death toll to the grim milestone of 100.

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

Peace.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Barton East will lose a marvellous curiosity

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

View Larger Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Later,
Kenaz

Sunday, December 07, 2008

100th Canadian Hero to give their all in Afghanistan

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

"Already there is talk of numbers and milestones, but it is my hope that the focus remains on the lives and the sacrifices of these brave soldiers as they served Canada in the effort to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan."

The ever-present perils of southern Afghanistan's dusty, dangerous roads claimed the lives of three more Canadian soldiers yesterday, pushing the death toll for Canada's military mission in this battle-bruised country to a tragic new benchmark.

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

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

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

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

He described Diplaros as an exceptional driver and gunner who performed "remarkably" on his first tour -- a soldier "generally known to his friends and colleagues as Dip, because of their inability to properly pronounce his name."

Corporal Mark Robert McLaren, Private Demetrios Diplaros and Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson all died when their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Arghandab district west of Kandahar city.

The ensuing blast heralded a milestone long feared and all but inevitable: 100 Canadian soldiers participating in the Afghan mission have been killed since the deployment began in 2002.

All three Canadian casualties -- members of the Operational Liaison and Mentoring Team, which trains members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) -- were from the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont.

The deaths mark the first fatalities for the current rotation of soldiers in the battle group that arrived in Afghanistan in mid-September, and the end of a three-month period without fatalities -- the longest such reprieve since the first Canadian battle group was deployed to Kandahar in early 2006.

The three soldiers were involved in normal "framework operations" with the ANA when the IED exploded, said Thompson. "This was a very large IED. It killed them all instantly, without question."

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

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

Prior to yesterday, the last occurred Sept. 7 -- the same day Harper called the Oct. 14 election -- when Sergeant Prescott (Scott) Shipway, of Esterhazy, Sask., was killed by a roadside bomb explosion in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar.

The lack of Canadian fatalities over the past three months do not mean it's been quiet, Thompson added, nor does yesterday's setback mean his men won't soldier on.

Peace

KENAZ 'S BLOG

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Two more Canadian Soldiers aren't coming home alive

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Boxing Day Tragedy for another Canadian Soldier

Friday, December 26, 2008

2008 Fourth Annual Kenaz Awards

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Winter 2009 Tarot and Rune Reading

What does the Winter 2009 have in store for me?

What does the Winter 2009 have in store for me?

Monday, December 15, 2008

Sadness for three more Canadian deaths in Afghanistan

Monday, December 08, 2008

Barton East will lose a marvellous curiosity

Sunday, December 07, 2008

100th Canadian Hero to give their all in Afghanistan